bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonpharmacological Interventions for Anxiety and Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brown Wilson Christine , Arendt Lars , Nguyen Mynhi , Scott Theresa L , Neville Christine C , Pachana Nancy A
Published: February 2019

Anxiety is a major mental disorder in later life that impacts on activities of daily living and quality of life for adults living with dementia in nursing homes. The aim of this article was to systematically review nonpharmacological interventions for older adults living in nursing homes who experience comorbid anxiety and dementia.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted across key databases (Cinahl, ASSIA, Cochrane reviews and trials, psycARTICLES, psycINFO, and PubMed) to identify studies measuring anxiety as an outcome for an intervention for older adults living with dementia in nursing homes, up to December 31, 2017.

Results

The search yielded a total of 1,925 articles with 45 articles accessed for full article review. A total of 13 articles were included in this review following quality appraisal based on Cochrane methodology with six different anxiety measures used. The studies included were moderate to high-quality randomized control trials although heterogeneity precluded a combined meta-analysis.

Clinical implications

The most common interventions used to address anxiety in this population were music therapy and activity-based interventions although there was limited evidence for the efficacy of either intervention. Little is known about effective nonpharmacological treatment for anxiety for people living with dementia in nursing homes. Further research using consistent measurement tools and time points is required to identify effective interventions to improve the quality of life for people living with both dementia and anxiety in nursing homes.
Ambient noise tomography across the Cascadia subduction zone using dense linear seismic arrays and double beamforming
Authors: Wang Yadong , Lin Fan-Chi , Ward Kevin M
Published: February 2019

In the summer of 2017, we deployed 174 three-component nodal geophones along a 130 km west–east line across the central Oregon forearc lasting about 40 d. Our goal was to evaluate the possibility of imaging the lithospheric structure in detail with a dense but short-duration sampling of passive seismic signals. In this study, we used passive recordings from the nodal array and the previous CASC93 broad-band array along the same line to calculate noise cross-correlations. Fundamental Rayleigh wave signals were observed in the cross-correlations between 3 and 15 s period. To enhance the signal and simultaneously measure the phase velocity, we employed a double beamforming method. At each period and location, a source beam and a receiver beam were selected and the cross-correlations between the two were shifted and stacked based on the presumed local velocities. A 2-D grid search was then used to find the best velocities at the source and receiver location. Multiple velocity measurements were obtained at each location by using different source and receiver pairs, and the final velocity and uncertainty at each location were determined using the mean and the standard deviation of the mean. All available phase velocities across the profile were then used to invert for a 2-D shear wave crustal velocity model. Well resolved shallow slow velocity anomalies are observed corresponding to the sediments within the Willamette Valley, and fast velocity anomalies are observed in the mid-to-lower crust likely associated with the Siletzia terrane. We demonstrate that the ambient noise double beamforming method is an effective tool to image detailed lithospheric structures across a dense and large-scale (>100 km) temporary seismic array.
Reported outcomes after aortic valve resuspension for acute type A aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shuang-Kun , Qiu Zhi-Huang , Fang Guan-Hua , Wu Xi-Jie , Chen Liang-Wan
Published: February 2019

In the majority of patients presenting with acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) complicated by aortic valve insufficiency, the aortic valve (AV) can be preserved by AV resuspension. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the outcomes following AV resuspension for AAD. A systematic literature search for publications reporting outcomes after AV resuspension in AAD published between January 1998 and June 2018 was conducted. Early outcome events and linearized occurrence rates for late outcome events were derived. The retrieval process yielded 18 unique studies involving 3295 patients with a total of 17 532 patient-years (pt-yrs). Pooled early mortality was 15.5% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 11.5–19.4%, I2 = 91.9%], and the linearized late mortality rate was 3.21%/pt-yrs (95% CI 2.49–3.77, I2 = 29%). The linearized occurrence rates for aortic root reintervention was 1.4%/pt-yrs (95% CI 0.88–1.79, I2 = 48%); for recurrent significant aortic valve insufficiency (>2+), it was 1.12%/pt-yrs (95% CI 0.79–1.45, I2 = 68%); and for endocarditis, it was 0.01%/pt-yrs (95% CI 0–0.04, I2 = 7%). The composite rate of thromboembolism and bleeding was 1.41%/pt-yrs (95% CI 0.18–2.63, I2 = 82%). A more recent surgical period was associated with a decreased hazard of reoperation on the aortic root (P < 0.001). Requirement of AV resuspension alone in AAD is a risk factor for mortality. The long-term durability of AV resuspension is excellent, with low rates of endocarditis and thromboembolism and bleeding. Root reoperation hazard has become acceptable in recent years. Preoperative aortic valve insufficiency grade exceeding 2+ is a predictor for root reoperation.
A Contingent Perspective on Pluralistic Ignorance: When the Attitudinal Object Matters
Authors: Eisner Léïla , Spini Dario , Sommet Nicolas
Published: February 2019

Although past research has suggested that pluralistic ignorance—a mismatch between perceptions of others’ opinions and actual personal opinions—does not occur in every circumstance, no studies have directly investigated variations among different attitude objects. Drawing upon theoretical and analytical approaches based on social representations, this study examines differences between personal opinions and perceived opinions of different groups toward same-sex female parenting (a newly debated attitude object) and working mothers (an older debated attitude object). Using data from a study (N = 743) conducted in Switzerland, the findings indicate that pluralistic ignorance occurs in opinions toward same-sex female parenting. Furthermore, the findings show that pluralistic ignorance arises from false consensus among conservatives and from false uniqueness among liberals.
A Markov decision process approach to optimizing cancer therapy using multiple modalities
Authors: Maass Kelsey , Kim Minsun
Published: February 2019

There are several different modalities, e.g. surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, that are currently used to treat cancer. It is common practice to use a combination of these modalities to maximize clinical outcomes, which are often measured by a balance between maximizing tumor damage and minimizing normal tissue side effects due to treatment. However, multi-modality treatment policies are mostly empirical in current practice and are therefore subject to individual clinicians’ experiences and intuition. We present a novel formulation of optimal multi-modality cancer management using a finite-horizon Markov decision process approach. Specifically, at each decision epoch, the clinician chooses an optimal treatment modality based on the patient’s observed state, which we define as a combination of tumor progression and normal tissue side effect. Treatment modalities are categorized as (1) type 1, which has a high risk and high reward, but is restricted in the frequency of administration during a treatment course; (2) type 2, which has a lower risk and lower reward than type 1, but may be repeated without restriction; and (3) type 3, no treatment (surveillance), which has the possibility of reducing normal tissue side effect at the risk of worsening tumor progression. Numerical simulations using various intuitive, concave reward functions show the structural insights of optimal policies and demonstrate the potential applications of using a rigorous approach to optimizing multi-modality cancer management.
Sparse tensor product finite element method for nonlinear multiscale variational inequalities of monotone type
Authors: Tan Wee Chin , Hoang Viet Ha
Published: February 2019

We study an essentially optimal finite element (FE) method for locally periodic nonlinear multiscale variational inequalities of monotone type in a domain $D\subset{\mathbb{R}}^d$ that depend on a macroscopic and $n$ microscopic scales. The scales are separable. Using multiscale convergence we deduce a multiscale homogenized variational inequality in a tensorized domain in the high-dimensional space ${\mathbb R}^{(n+1)d}$. Given sufficient regularity on the solution the sparse tensor product FE method is developed for this problem, which attains an essentially equal (i.e., it differs by only a logarithmic factor) level of accuracy to that of the full tensor product FE method, but requires an essentially optimal number of degrees of freedom which is equal to that for solving a problem in ${{\mathbb{R}}}^d$ apart from a logarithmic factor. For two-scale problems we deduce a new homogenization error for the nonlinear monotone variational inequality. A numerical corrector is then constructed with an explicit error in terms of the homogenization and the FE errors. For general multiscale problems we deduce a numerical corrector from the FE solution of the multiscale homogenized problem, but without an explicit error as such a homogenization error is not available.
A new approach and gold standard toward author disambiguation in MEDLINE
Authors: Vishnyakova Dina , Rodriguez-Esteban Raul , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: February 2019

Objective

Author-centric analyses of fast-growing biomedical reference databases are challenging due to author ambiguity. This problem has been mainly addressed through author disambiguation using supervised machine-learning algorithms. Such algorithms, however, require adequately designed gold standards that reflect the reference database properly. In this study we used MEDLINE to build the first unbiased gold standard in a reference database and improve over the existing state of the art in author disambiguation.

Materials and Methods

Following a new corpus design method, publication pairs randomly picked from MEDLINE were evaluated by both crowdsourcing and expert curators. Because the latter showed higher accuracy than crowdsourcing, expert curators were tasked to create a full corpus. The corpus was then used to explore new features that could improve state-of-the-art author disambiguation algorithms that would not have been discoverable with previously existing gold standards.

Results

We created a gold standard based on 1900 publication pairs that shows close similarity to MEDLINE in terms of chronological distribution and information completeness. A machine-learning algorithm that includes new features related to the ethnic origin of authors showed significant improvements over the current state of the art and demonstrates the necessity of realistic gold standards to further develop effective author disambiguation algorithms.

Discussion and Conclusion

An unbiased gold standard can give a more accurate picture of the status of author disambiguation research and help in the discovery of new features for machine learning. The principles and methods shown here can be applied to other reference databases beyond MEDLINE. The gold standard and code used for this study are available at the following repository: https://github.com/amorgani/AND/
Quantitation of Cannabinoids in Breath Samples Using a Novel Derivatization LC–MS/MS Assay with Ultra-High Sensitivity
Authors: Luo Yiqi Ruben , Yun Cassandra , Lynch Kara L
Published: February 2019

As the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana use expands, measurement of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in human breath has become an area of interest. The presence and concentration of cannabinoids in breath have been shown to correlate with recent marijuana use and may be correlated with impairment. Given the low concentration of THC in human breath, sensitive analytical methods are required to further evaluate its utility and window of detection. This paper describes a novel derivatization method based on an azo coupling reaction that significantly increases the ionization efficiency of cannabinoids for LC–MS/MS analysis. This derivatization reaction allows for a direct derivatization reaction with neat samples and does not require further sample clean-up after derivatization, thus facilitating an easy and rapid “derivatize & shoot” sample preparation. The derivatization assay allowed for limits of quantitation (LOQ’s) in the sub-pg/mL to pg/mL range for the five cannabinoids in breath samples, i.e., only 5~50 femtograms of an analyte was required for quantitation in a single analysis. This ultrahigh sensitivity allowed for the quantitation of cannabinoids in all breath samples collected within 3 hours of smoking cannabis (n = 180). A linear correlation between THC and cannabinol (CBN) in human breath was observed, supporting the hypothesis that CBN is converted from THC during the combustion of cannabis. The derivatization method was also applied to the analysis of cannabinoids in whole blood samples, achieving LOQ’s at ten-pg/mL to sub-ng/mL level. This azo coupling-based derivatization approach provided the needed analytical sensitivity for the analysis of THC in human breath samples using LC–MS/MS and could be a valuable tool for the analysis of other aromatic compounds in the future.
Insect Exclusion Screens Reduce Cucumber Beetle Infestations in High Tunnels, Increasing Cucurbit Yield
Authors: Ingwell Laura L , Kaplan Ian
Published: February 2019

As high tunnel vegetable production acreage increases in the United States, so does the need for management strategies tailored to their unique growing environment. Cucumbers are an ideal crop in these systems; they can be vertically trellised to maximize the production area and provide high yields to balance the increased costs associated with high tunnel construction. One of the most limiting factors in cucurbit production in general is the cucumber beetle complex and the bacterial pathogen they transmit. In this study, we investigated the optimal size of netting installed on high tunnels to prevent cucumber beetle colonization while maintaining ventilation to reduce heat stress. Of the three mesh sizes investigated across 4 yr, the intermediate mesh with a pore size of 0.72 × 0.97 mm was optimal to exclude cucumber beetles, maintain ventilation, and produce the highest yields for both cucumber and melon plants. The smallest (0.16 mm2) and intermediate mesh sizes resulted in secondary pest outbreaks (e.g., aphids), which did not occur in open tunnels and to a lesser extent in tunnels covered with the largest (1.00 × 4.00 mm) mesh. Despite these secondary pests, yield was higher in small- and intermediate-sized mesh treatments due to relief from cucumber beetle infestations, including striped (Acalymma vittatum Fabr. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)) and spotted (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)) beetles. Overall, we conclude that insect exclusion netting is an effective method to exclude cucumber beetles from high tunnels, but mesh size should be carefully considered when weighing the collective effects on yield and primary/secondary pest abundance.
The Efficacy of Ethnic Stacking: Military Defection during Uprisings in Africa
Authors: Morency-Laflamme Julien , McLauchlin Theodore
Published: February 2019

Does ethnic stacking in the armed forces help prevent military defection? Recent research, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, suggests so; by favoring in-groups, regimes can keep in-group soldiers loyal. In-group loyalty comes at the cost of antagonizing members of out-groups, but many regimes gladly run that risk. In this research note, we provide the first large-scale evidence on the impact of ethnic stacking on the incidence of military defection during uprisings from below, using data on fifty-seven popular uprisings in Africa since formal independence. We find clear evidence for the downside: ethnic stacking is associated with more frequent defection if out-group members are still dominant in the armed forces. We find more limited support for the hypothesized payoff. Ethnic stacking may reduce the risk of defection, but only in regimes without a recent history of coup attempts. Future research should therefore trace the solidification of ethnic stacking over time.
Evaluation and Management of Congenital Chagas Disease in the United States
Authors: Edwards Morven S , Stimpert Kelly K , Bialek Stephanie R , Montgomery Susan P
Published: February 2019

Chagas disease is underappreciated as a health concern in the United States. Approximately 40 000 women of childbearing age living in the United States have chronic Chagas disease. Most of them are unaware that they have an infection that is transmissible to their offspring. The estimated US maternal-to-infant transmission rate of Trypanosoma cruzi is 1% to 5%. Ten percent to 40% of neonates with congenital T cruzi infection have clinical signs consistent with a congenital infection but no findings are unique to Chagas disease. If left untreated, 20% to 40% of infants with Chagas disease will later develop potentially fatal cardiac manifestations. Molecular testing can confirm the diagnosis in neonates. Treatment is well tolerated in infancy and usually results in cure. Screening of at-risk women during pregnancy can identify maternal infection and allow early assessment and treatment for congenital T cruzi infection.
Transcribear – Introducing a secure online transcription and annotation tool
Authors: Chen Yu-Hua , Bruncak Radovan
Published: February 2019

Reliable high-quality transcription and/or annotation (a.k.a. ‘coding’) is essential for research in a variety of areas in Humanities and Social Sciences which make use of qualitative data such as interviews, focus groups, classroom observations, or any other audio/video recordings. A good tool can facilitate the work of transcription and annotation because the process is notoriously time-consuming and challenging. However, our survey indicates that few existing tools can accommodate the requirements for transcription and annotation (e.g. audio/video playback, spelling checks, keyboard shortcuts, adding tags of annotation) in one place so that a user does not need to constantly switch between multiple windows, for example, an audio player and a text editor. ‘Transcribear’ (https://transcribear.com) is therefore developed as an easy-to-use online tool which facilitates transcription and annotation on the same interface while this web tool operates offline so that a user’s recordings and transcripts can remain secure and confidential. To minimize human errors, the functionality of tag validation is also added. Originally designed for a multimodal corpus project UNNC CAWSE (https://www.nottingham.edu.cn/en/english/research/cawse/), this browser-based application can be customized for individual users’ needs in terms of the annotation scheme and corresponding shortcut keys. This article will explain how this new tool can make tedious and repetitive manual work faster and easier and at the same time improve the quality of outputs as the process of transcription and annotation tends to be prone to human errors. The limitations of Transcribear and future work will also be discussed.
Pain Management
Authors: Paice Judith A.
Published: February 2019

Pain is one of the most common and most feared symptoms experienced by those with serious illness. The nurse’s role begins with assessment and continues through the development of a plan of care and its implementation. During this process, the nurse provides education and counseling to the patient, family, and other team members. Nurses also are critical for developing institutional policies and monitoring outcomes that ensure good pain management for all patients within their palliative care program. To provide optimal pain control, all healthcare professionals must understand the frequency of pain at the end of life, the barriers that prevent good management, the comprehensive assessment of this syndrome, and the treatments used to provide relief. Effective pain control and alleviation of suffering is highly dependent upon the strength of clinician, patient, and family communication and relationship. These are key strengths of nursing, at all phases of palliative care.
Hydrocephalus
Authors: Clark Robin D. , Curry Cynthia J.
Published: February 2019

This chapter reviews background information about the incidence, risk factors, sex ratio, genetics, recurrence risk, and epidemiology of isolated and syndromic hydrocephalus. Extrinsic causes of hydrocephalus are discussed including prematurity, hemorrhage, maternal Vitamin K deficiency. The discussion on the differential diagnosis of hydrocephalus summarizes its common causes, including teratogenic agents (LCMV, TORCH, parvovirus and other viral infections, isotretinoin, misoprostol), chromosome anomalies (trisomy 9, triploidy, copy number variants), and Mendelian disorder in which hydrocephaly occurs with other CNS anomalies or associated with malformations in other organ systems. The chapter offers recommendations for evaluation and management. A clinical case presentation features an infant with hydrocephalus, ectopic calcifications, a rash and consumptive thrombopenia caused by neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disorder.
Descriptive Analysis of Cardiac Patients Transported by Critical Care Air Transport Teams
Authors: Savell Shelia C , Arana Allyson A , Medellin Kimberly L , Bebarta Vikhyat S , Perez Crystal A , Reeves Lauren K , Mora Alejandra G , Maddry Joseph K
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATTs) transport critically ill patients within and out of theaters of combat operations. Studies of the CCATT population reveal as many as 35% of patients have a non-trauma diagnosis, of which more than half are cardiac.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the epidemiology of critically ill patients with cardiac diagnoses evacuated from theater via CCATT.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 290 medical patients with a primary cardiac diagnosis transported from any theater of operation to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany from January 2007 to April 2015.

Results

The majority of patients were male with an average age of 46 ± 11 years, US contractors (47%, n = 137), followed by US Active Duty (32%, n = 93). Patients had an average BMI of 29 ± 5; 62% of cardiac patients were either overweight or obese. The most common cardiac diagnoses were ST elevation myocardial infarction, Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, and angina. Pre-flight vital signs indicate overall patients were stable prior to evacuation, with the majority receiving supplemental oxygen and only 5% requiring mechanical ventilation. Eighty-one percent of patients experienced at least one cardiac event during flight, however less than 5% required adjustment to oxygen or ventilator settings.

Conclusions

Critically ill cardiac patients make up a significant portion of patients transported out of the combat theater. These patients are older, overweight and have identified risk factors for cardiac morbidity. More strenuous pre-deployment screening for risk factors and prevention strategies could minimize the use of military resources to evacuate these patients from the combat theater.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for the Prevention of Liver Failure in Heat Injury-Mediated Ischemic Hepatitis
Authors: Will Joshua S , Snyder Christopher J , Westerfield Katie L
Published: February 2019

Exertional Heat Illness with associated ischemic hepatitis (IH) is a common occurrence among military trainees; however, few specific therapies exist if unresponsive to appropriate supportive measures.

A 27-year-old basic combat trainee presented with altered mental status, renal insufficiency, rhabdomyolysis, and a core temp of 107.9 °F after collapsing during a run, leading to the diagnosis of heat stroke. While the patient’s azotemia and creatinine kinase levels rapidly improved with aggressive intravenous hydration, transaminases continued to increase to nearly 155 times the upper limit of normal. Further laboratory evaluation revealed coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia suggestive of acute liver failure (ALF). On hospital day three, the patient was started on N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Evaluation for infectious and autoimmune etiologies of ALF was unremarkable; thus, the patient’s symptomatology was attributed to IH resulting from heat stroke. Liver function normalized on NAC.

Heat Injury is common among US Army recruits and results in thousands of hospitalizations in recent years. IH is characterized by diffuse hepatocyte necrosis following an episode of hemodynamic instability, and is an established sequela of Heat Injury. The mortality of IH among critically ill patients has been estimated to be as high as 60%, with those demonstrating coagulopathy especially at risk. NAC is shown to improve the transplant-free survival rate in non-acetaminophen related ALF, consistent with its proposed mechanisms of improving hepatic blood flow and conjugating toxic metabolites. NAC therapy should be considered early in the course of heat injury-mediated IH to reduce reperfusion injury, improving transplant free outcomes.
Diagnostic usefulness of differential time to positivity in neutropenic cancer patients with suspected catheter-related candidemia
Authors: Jo Kyeong Min , Choi Sungim , Jung Kyung Hwa , Park Jung Wan , Yun Ji Hyun , Kim Min Jae , Chong Yong Pil , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Lee Jung-Hee , Lee Je-Hwan , Lee Kyoo-Hyung , Kim Sung-Han
Published: February 2019

Methods for distinguishing catheter-related candidemia (CRC) from non-CRC before catheter removal remain limited. We thus evaluated the diagnostic performance of differential time to positivity (DTP) to diagnose CRC in neutropenic cancer patients with suspected CRC. Of the 35 patients enrolled, 15 (43%) with CRC (six definite and nine probable) and 17 (49%) with non-CRC were finally analyzed. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff value of DTP for diagnosing CRC was ≥1.45 hours with the sensitivity 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51–95) and specificity 100% (95% CI, 80–100), respectively.
Deblending galaxy superpositions with branched generative adversarial networks
Authors: Reiman David M , Göhre Brett E
Published: February 2019

Near-future large galaxy surveys will encounter blended galaxy images at a fraction of up to 50 per cent in the densest regions of the Universe. Current deblending techniques may segment the foreground galaxy while leaving missing pixel intensities in the background galaxy flux. The problem is compounded by the diffuse nature of galaxies in their outer regions, making segmentation significantly more difficult than in traditional object segmentation applications. We propose a novel branched generative adversarial network to deblend overlapping galaxies, where the two branches produce images of the two deblended galaxies. We show that generative models are a powerful engine for deblending given their innate ability to infill missing pixel values occluded by the superposition. We maintain high peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity scores with respect to ground truth images upon deblending. Our model also predicts near-instantaneously, making it a natural choice for the immense quantities of data soon to be created by large surveys such as Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, Euclid, and Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.
Two debatable cases for the reconstruction of the solar activity around the Maunder Minimum: Malapert and Derham
Authors: Carrasco V M S , Vaquero J M , Gallego M C , Villalba Álvarez J , Hayakawa H
Published: February 2019

We perform case studies of the sunspot observations by Charles Malapert and William Derham from the point of view of the reconstruction of the solar activity. They made sunspot observations prior and after the deep Maunder Minimum, respectively, being two of the most active sunspot observers of their time. The currently available sunspot group data bases assign one sunspot group for most of observations by Malapert and Derham. However, with documental evidence, we attest that these observers would have sometimes recorded several sunspot groups as only one representative group. Therefore, we conclude that their sunspot group counting should be used with caution for the reconstruction of the solar activity level around the Maunder Minimum.
A new diagnostic to separate line emission from star formation, shocks, and AGNs simultaneously in IFU data
Authors: D'Agostino Joshua J , Kewley Lisa J , Groves Brent A , Medling Anne , Dopita Michael A , Thomas Adam D
Published: February 2019

In the optical spectra of galaxies, methods for the separation of line emission arising from star formation and an additional hard component, such as shocks or active galactic nuclei (AGNs), is well-understood and possible with current diagnostics. However, such diagnostics fail when attempting to separate and define line emission which arises from shocked gas, and that arising from AGNs. We present a new three-dimensional diagnostic diagram for integral field unit data which can simultaneously separate the line emission amongst star formation, shocks, and AGNs within a galaxy. We show that regions we define as AGN-dominated correlate well with the hard X-ray distribution in our test case NGC 1068, as well as with known regions of AGN activity in NGC 1068. Similarly, spaxels defined as shock-dominated correlate strongly with regions of high-velocity dispersion within the galaxy.
Subperiosteal vs Subdural Drain After Burr-Hole Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial (cSDH-Drain-Trial)
Authors: Soleman Jehuda , Lutz Katharina , Schaedelin Sabine , Kamenova Maria , Guzman Raphael , Mariani Luigi , Fandino Javier
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of a subdural drain (SDD) after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) reduces recurrence at 6 mo. Subperiosteal drains (SPDs) are considered safer, since they are not positioned in direct contact to cortical structures, bridging veins, or hematoma membranes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the recurrence rate after insertion of a SPD is noninferior to the insertion of a more commonly used SDD.

METHODS

Multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial analyzing patients undergoing burr-hole drainage for cSDH aged 18 yr and older. After hematoma evacuation, patients were randomly assigned to receive either a SDD (SDD-group) or a SPD (SPD-group). The primary endpoint was recurrence indicating a reoperation within 12 mo, with a noninferiority margin of 3.5%. Secondary outcomes included clinical and radiological outcome, morbidity and mortality rates, and length of stay.

RESULTS

Of 220 randomized patients, all were included in the final analysis (120 SPD and 100 SDD). Recurrence rate was lower in the SPD group (8.33%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.28-14.72) than in the SDD group (12.00%, 95% CI 6.66-19.73), with the treatment difference (3.67%, 95% CI -12.6-5.3) not meeting predefined noninferiority criteria. The SPD group showed significantly lower rates of surgical infections (P = .0406) and iatrogenic morbidity through drain placement (P = .0184). Length of stay and mortality rates were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Although the noninferiority criteria were not met, SPD insertion led to lower recurrence rates, fewer surgical infections, and lower drain misplacement rates. These findings suggest that SPD may be warranted in routine clinical practice
The Contribution of National Income Inequality to Regional Economic Divergence
Authors: Manduca Robert A
Published: February 2019

After more than a century of convergence, the economic fortunes of rich and poor regions of the United States have diverged dramatically over the last 40 years. Roughly a third of the US population now lives in metropolitan areas that are substantially richer or poorer than the nation as a whole, almost three times the proportion that did in 1980. In this paper I use counterfactual simulations based on Census microdata to understand the dynamics of regional divergence. I first show that regional divergence has primarily resulted from the richest people and places pulling away from the rest of the country. I then estimate the relative contributions to regional divergence of two major socioeconomic trends of recent decades: the sorting of people across metro areas by income level and the national rise in income inequality. I show that the national rise in income inequality is sufficient on its own to account for more than half of the observed divergence across regions, while income sorting on its own accounts for less than a quarter. The major driver of regional economic divergence is national-level income dispersion that has exacerbated preexisting spatial inequalities.
Sex Modifies Acute Ozone-Mediated Airway Physiologic Responses
Authors: Birukova Anastasiya , Cyphert-Daly Jaime , Cumming Robert Ian , Yu Yen-Rei , Gowdy Kymberly M , Que Loretta G , Tighe Robert M
Published: February 2019

Sex differences clearly exist in incidence, susceptibility, and severity of airway disease and in pulmonary responses to air pollutants such as ozone (O3). Prior rodent O3 exposure studies demonstrate sex-related differences in the expression of lung inflammatory mediators and signaling. However, whether or not sex modifies O3-induced airway physiologic responses remains less explored. To address this, we exposed 8- to 10-week-old male and female C57BL/6 mice to either 1 or 2 ppm O3 or filtered air (FA) for 3 h. At 12, 24, 48, and 72 h following exposure, we assessed airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (MCh), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellularity, cytokines and total protein/albumin, serum progesterone, and whole lung immune cells by flow cytometry. Male mice generated consistent airway hyperresponsiveness to MCh at all time points following exposure. Alternatively, females had less consistent airway physiologic responses to MCh, which were more variable between individual experiments and did not correlate with serum progesterone levels. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid total cells peaked at 12 h and were persistently elevated through 72 h. At 48 h, bronchoalveolar lavage cells were greater in females versus males. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytokines and total protein/albumin increased following O3 exposure without sex differences. Flow cytometry of whole lung tissue identified dynamic O3-induced immune cell changes also independent of sex. Our results indicate sex differences in acute O3-induced airway physiology responses and airspace influx without significant difference in other injury and inflammation measures. This study highlights the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in acute O3-induced airway physiology responses.
Factors Associated with the Consumption of Food Markers of Unhealthy Diet Among School Children in Situations of High Health Vulnerability
Authors: Sousa Taciana Maia de , Santos Luana Caroline dos , Costa Hellena Thaís Pinto , Carvalho Renata Bicalho de , Pereira Simone Cardoso Lisboa
Published: February 2019

Cross-sectional study that aimed to investigate the factors associated with the consumption of food markers of unhealthy diet among school children with high health vulnerability in public schools of a Brazilian capital. Unhealthy food consumption was investigated through a simplified Food Frequency Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was performed, considering excessive consumption of unhealthy foods as an outcome. A total of 299 students were evaluated, with a mean age of 11.0 ± 2.4 years, 54.8% female and 20.2% overweight. Excessive consumption of unhealthy foods was observed in 46.2% of the sampled population. The chance of excessive consumption of unhealthy foods was greater among school children who skip breakfast (OR = 2.80; 95% CI 1.38–6.48); and those who habitually eat in front of the screen (OR = 2.99; 95% CI 1.11–7.06). These findings can guide interventions to promote healthy habits among school children with high health vulnerability, preventing lifelong excess weight.
Indole Derivatives Maintain the Status Quo Between Beneficial Biofilms and Their Plant Hosts
Authors: Ganin Hadas , Kemper Natalie , Meir Sagit , Rogachev Ilana , Ely Shir , Massalha Hassan , Mandaby Aviad , Shanzer Abraham , Keren-Paz Alona , Meijler Michael M. , Malitsky Sergey , Aharoni Asaph , Kolodkin-Gal Ilana
Published: February 2019

Biofilms formed by bacteria on plant roots play an important role in maintaining an optimal rhizosphere environment that supports plant growth and fitness. Bacillus subtilis is a potent plant growth promoter, forming biofilms that play a key role in protecting the host from fungal and bacterial infections. In this work, we demonstrate that the development of B. subtilis biofilms is antagonized by specific indole derivatives that accumulate during symbiotic interactions with plant hosts. Indole derivatives are more potent signals when the plant polysaccharide xylan serves as a carbon source, a mechanism to sustain beneficial biofilms at a biomass that can be supported by the plant. Moreover, B. subtilis biofilms formed by mutants resistant to indole derivatives become deleterious to the plants due to their capacity to consume and recycle plant polysaccharides. These results demonstrate how a dynamic metabolite-based dialogue can promote homeostasis between plant hosts and their beneficial biofilm communities.
Neurophysiological Differences in Emotional Processing by Cochlear Implant Users, Extending Beyond the Realm of Speech
Authors: Deroche Mickael L. D. , Felezeu Mihaela , Paquette Sébastien , Zeitouni Anthony , Lehmann Alexandre
Published: February 2019

Objective:

Cochlear implants (CIs) restore a sense of hearing in deaf individuals. However, they do not transmit the acoustic signal with sufficient fidelity, leading to difficulties in recognizing emotions in voice and in music. The study aimed to explore the neurophysiological bases of these limitations.

Design:

Twenty-two adults (18 to 70 years old) with CIs and 22 age-matched controls with normal hearing participated. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in response to emotional bursts (happy, sad, or neutral) produced in each modality (voice or music) that were for the most part correctly identified behaviorally.

Results:

Compared to controls, the N1 and P2 components were attenuated and prolonged in CI users. To a smaller degree, N1 and P2 were also attenuated and prolonged in music compared to voice, in both populations. The N1–P2 complex was emotion-dependent (e.g., reduced and prolonged response to sadness), but this was also true in both populations. In contrast, the later portion of the response, between 600 and 850 ms, differentiated happy and sad from neutral stimuli in normal hearing but not in CI listeners.

Conclusions:

The early portion of the ERP waveform reflected primarily the general reduction in sensory encoding by CI users (largely due to CI processing itself), whereas altered emotional processing (by CI users) could be found in the later portion of the ERP and extended beyond the realm of speech.
Mood disorders are associated with inferior outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Eads Ryan B. , Brolin Tyler J. , Smith Richard A. , Azar Frederick M. , Throckmorton Thomas W.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Mood disorders (MD) have been associated with inferior outcomes after orthopaedic procedures, but little is known about their effect on total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Methods:

In patients with primary TSA and a minimum of 2 yr clinical and radiographic follow-up, documentation of depression, anxiety, and/or use of a prescription mood-stabilizing drug indicated MD. Prolonged narcotic use was patient-reported consumption at most recent follow-up or filled narcotic prescription within 3 mo in a statewide database.

Results:

Chronic pain syndromes were more frequent in 24 patients with MD (76%) than in 63 without (1.6%), and narcotic use was higher (54% vs. 13%, respectively). There were no significant differences in range of motion, strength, complications, reoperations, or radiographic complications and none in the amount of improvement for any of the functional parameters.

Conclusions:

Patients with MD were four times more likely to require narcotics for pain control, although function improved by an amount similar to the control group.

Level of evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparison study.
Effect of dose of the corticosteroid injected locally on inflammatory diseases
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Heshmati Afshin , Ilka Shahab
Published: February 2019

Background:

Local injection of corticosteroid medication is one of the most common therapeutic treatments in inflammatory diseases, yet there are still many controversies surrounding its use.

Methods:

One hundred and seventy patients with de Quervain disease, lateral epicondylitis, or plantar fasciitis were entered into the study and divided into two groups (groups 1 and 2) according to doses of the steroids (20 mg and 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate, respectively). Patients were evaluated before injection and at 3 wk and 6 wk after injection using a visual analogue scale, quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score, and grip strength. Complications were recorded at each visit.

Results:

All outcome parameters significantly improved 3 wk after injection in all patients. Improvement between weeks 3 and 6 was not significant. There was no significant difference between patients in group 1 and 2 except patients in group 1 with plantar fasciitis had better outcome than those in group 2 at 6 wk. The only encountered complication was change in color of the skin in three patients.

Conclusions:

A 20-mg injection of methylprednisolone acetate locally was sufficient for improvement of symptoms in patients with de Quervain disease, lateral epicondylitis, and plantar fasciitis. More doses of the steroid had no more beneficial effect.
A Simple Technique to Improve the Accuracy of Plaster Molding in Metacarpal Neck Fractures
Authors: Chinnusamy Rajavelu , Boden Richard
Published: February 2019

Metacarpal neck fractures are mostly reduced in A&E or in fracture clinic. Once the cast is applied a simple technique is described to locate the metacarpal head. On the uninjured hand, measurement is taken from the tip of corresponding finger to the metacarpal head. This measurement is transferred on to the cast for further reduction and moulding. This technique provides a reliable outcome.
Use of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Daylight Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Actinic Keratoses
Authors: Shive Melissa L. , Coakley Brandon J. , Bierman Dina F. , Serowka Lane Kathryn L. , Wiegell Stine R. , Haedersdal Merete , Zachary Christopher B.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective modality for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs). The use of methyl aminolevulinate with daylight PDT (D-PDT) has quickly gained popularity internationally because of its tolerability and high levels of safety and efficacy. However, there is a paucity of studies on the use of D-PDT with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA).

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety and efficacy of D-PDT in treating AKs on the face and scalp using ALA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients were recruited for this prospective, uncontrolled study. Patients were treated with topical ALA on either the scalp or face, incubated for 30 minutes, and then sat at home in a shady area for 2 hours. Weather conditions, lux measurements, and AK counts at 3 and 6 months were measured.

RESULTS

Daylight PDT led to a median of 75% reduction in AK count at 6 months, with no significant adverse effects. Ninety-six percentage of patients were either moderately or very satisfied with the treatment, and the median peak pain score during treatment was 1. There was no correlation between weather or average lux received during treatment and 6-month outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Daylight PDT with ALA is a safe and effective treatment modality for AKs on the head.
What Is the Most Beautiful Facial Proportion in the 21st Century? Comparative Study among Miss Universe, Miss Universe Thailand, Neoclassical Canons, and Facial Golden Ratios
Authors: Burusapat Chairat , Lekdaeng Pattariya
Published: February 2019

Background:

An ideal facial proportion has been attempted since the ancient times. However, modern facial proportions of the most beautiful women in the 21st century are unavailable and have never been determined.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the photographs of Miss Universe Thailand and Miss Universe from 2001 to 2015 was conducted. All photographs were searched from Internet websites. Twenty-six dominant points were identified. Comparisons of the facial proportion among Miss Universe Thailand, Miss Universe, neoclassical canons, and facial golden ratios were performed.

Results:

Sixteen Miss Universe Thailand and 16 Miss Universe were included. Nine points of facial proportions were found to be statistically significant between Miss Universe Thailand and neoclassical canons. Miss Universe Thailand showed wider nasofrontal angle, thinner lower-upper lip height ratio, and less chin projection. Ten points of facial proportions were found to be statistically significant between Miss Universe and neoclassical canons. Miss Universe showed wider nasofrontal and nasofacial angle, more nasal tip projection, and thinner lower-upper lip height ratio. Seven points of facial analysis were found to be statistically significant between Miss Universe Thailand and Miss Universe groups. Of the 16 facial golden ratios, 12 demonstrated statistical significance in both the Miss Universe Thailand and Miss Universe groups.

Conclusions:

Modern facial proportions of beauty are different from the past. Photogrammetic analysis demonstrated longer forehead, thinner lower-upper lip height proportion, wider interala-medial canthus width proportion, and wider nasofrontal angle compared with previous references. Furthermore, facial golden ratios were statistically significantly invalid in modern facial proportions of beauty.