bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipokine zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein as a novel urinary biomarker presents earlier than microalbuminuria in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Wang Yuan , Li Yan-Mei , Zhang Shu , Zhao Jiu-Yang , Liu Chun-Yan
Published: February 2016

Objective

To investigate the role of zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study recruited patients with longstanding T2DM and healthy control subjects. Patients with T2DM were further stratified based on their urine albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Serum and urine concentrations of ZAG were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Eighty patients with T2DM and 20 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Mean ± SD concentrations of ZAG in serum and urine were both significantly higher in patients with T2DM (serum: 38.29 ± 22.72 mg/l; urine: 53.64 ± 29.48 mg/g) compared with concentrations in healthy control subjects (serum: 21.61 ± 8.83 mg/l; urine: 28.17 ± 10.64 mg/g). Serum ZAG concentration was positively correlated with serum creatinine and eGFR. Urine ZAG concentration was positively correlated with UACR. Urine concentration of ZAG in the higher eGFR group was higher than that in the normal eGFR group (41.26 ± 13.67 versus 32.05 ± 8.55 mg/g, respectively).

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that ZAG might be a potentially useful biomarker for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy in patients with T2DM.
Resistin: New serum marker for predicting severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kibar Yunus İ , Albayrak Fatih , Arabul Mahmut , Dursun Hakan , Albayrak Yavuz , Ozturk Yasin
Published: February 2016

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of resistin in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis.

Methods

Patients with acute pancreatitis who presented at the Gastroenterology Clinic, Erzurum Education and Research Hospital, Turkey were enrolled in this prospective study. White blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and resistin levels were measured on admission and at 24 h, day 3 and day 7 following admission, along with other blood parameters. Patients were divided into two groups: mild acute pancreatitis and moderate/severe acute pancreatitis.

Results

Of 59 patients with acute pancreatitis (mild, n = 37; moderate/severe, n = 22), significant between-group differences were found in terms of resistin and CRP levels. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that resistin levels were better for predicting severe cases of acute pancreatitis than CRP or WBC levels on day 3 (area under the curve [AUC], 0.88 versus 0.81 and 0.63, respectively). Resistin levels on day 3 were better than CRP levels for predicting necrosis development (AUC, 0.70 versus 0.69, respectively).

Conclusions

Resistin may represent a new, effective indicator to predict the severity of acute pancreatitis and presence of necrosis in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Genetically lowered concentrations of circulating sRAGE might cause an increased risk of cancer: Meta-analysis using Mendelian randomization
Authors: Huang Qingxian , Mi Jia , Wang Xizhen , Liu Fang , Wang Dan , Yan Dong , Wang Bin , Zhang Shuping , Tian Geng
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To undertake a systematic meta-analysis of all variants in the gene encoding receptor for advanced glycation end products ( RAGE) to summarize their associations with cancer risk and changes in the levels of circulating soluble RAGE (sRAGE), with the aim of determining possible causality between circulating sRAGE and cancer risk.

Methods

Articles written in English were retrieved from MEDLINE® and EMBASE® databases. Two researchers independently identified eligible articles and extracted the data (analysed using STATA® software version 12.0).

Results

Fifteen articles qualified for inclusion in the meta-analysis of the RAGE–cancer association and three examined the RAGE–sRAGE relationship. The 82Ser/82Ser genotype was significantly associated with overall cancer risk compared with the 82Gly/Gly genotype (odds ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46, 2.10). Carriers of the 82Ser/82Ser genotype had significantly reduced circulating sRAGE concentrations compared with the 82Gly/82Gly genotype. Mendelian randomization analysis demonstrated that a reduction of 100, 200 and 300 pg/ml in circulating sRAGE concentrations was associated with a 1.11-fold (95% CI 1.06, 1.25), 1.24-fold (95% CI 1.11, 1.57) and 1.38-fold (95% CI 1.18, 1.96) increased risk of developing cancer, respectively.

Conclusions

Genetically lowered concentrations of circulating sRAGE might cause an increased risk of cancer.
How is the economic crisis socially assessed?
Authors: Roland-Lévy Christine , Kmiec Ruxanda , Lemoine Jérémy
Published: February 2016

Based on the Social Representation Theory, the purpose of this article is to explore how lay-people consider both the economic crisis and risk, and to link these social representations to behavior. The article offers an original approach with the articulation of two studies about the social construction of risk and crises. It also contributes to the development of research methods for studying the connections between representations and practical implications. Based on this, the impact of the social representation of the crisis on the perceived ability to act is approached. The first study focuses on free-association tasks, with two distinct target terms: ‘risk’ and ‘crisis’. The structural approach, with a prototypical analysis, allowed the identification of two different representations: (1) for risk, ‘danger’ is the central element; (2) for crisis, ‘economy’ and ‘money’ constitute the main components of the representation. The second study investigates the links between the two previously detected structures and their relations with the perceived ability to act in a financial crisis context. Some aspects of social knowledge were found to have an impact on perceived ability to act.
Organisation informelle et identité : de la théorie des organisations à l’économie politique de l’entreprise
Authors: Chassagnon Virgile , Baudry Bernard
Published: February 2016

In this paper the authors defend the idea according to which the economic theories of the firm could be astutely enriched by specific theoretical developments of organization theories. In this view, they focus on two crucial research questions for the political economics of the firm: (1) the informal organization of the firm; and (2) social identity in the firm. This analysis allows to show the strong limitations of classical economic theory of the firm and to contribute to the reworking of a political economy of the firm.
Toward Refining the Criminology of Mass Incarceration: Group-Based Trajectories of U.S. States, 1977–2010
Authors: Brown Elizabeth K.
Published: February 2016

The development of mass incarceration in the United States has occurred unevenly across American states. Prior time series, fixed effect, and case study research have failed to fully illuminate the determinants of incarceration rate change in states with varying patterns of growth. As a supplement to previously utilized approaches, the present research uses group-based trajectory modeling to consider patterns of incarceration rate growth across 48 U.S. states in relation to crime, political, structural, and institutional variables. In order to account for periodicity, group-based trajectory models of state incarceration rates are estimated separately for 1977–1990, 1990–2000, and 2000–2010. Findings suggest that political and economic factors vary in their relationships to incarceration growth over time and that, controlling for crime, the percentage of young Black males in state populations was the most consistent predictor of incarceration rate growth, particularly among high incarcerating states from 2000 to 2010. The implications of these findings for “the criminology of mass incarceration” are considered.
A Psychometric Evaluation of the Achievement Goal Questionnaire–Revised in Singapore Secondary Students
Authors: Ning Hoi Kwan
Published: February 2016

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Achievement Goal Questionnaire–Revised (AGQ-R) in a sample of Singapore secondary students ( N = 1,171). Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the AGQ-R in measuring the four achievements goals delineated in the 2 × 2 framework. Measurement invariance across ethnic groups was supported via multigroup analysis. Multidimensional Rasch analysis revealed that only one item on the instrument showed a slight misfit, and the distribution of items also matched reasonably well with students’ achievement goals levels, though there were some students on the upper end of the continuum whose positions were not well-covered. Examination of the 5-point rating scale showed that while the response categories demonstrated monotonicity, two of the lower categories were not clearly differentiated. These findings suggest that the AGQ-R has adequate psychometric properties for use with school-aged students in Singapore, but a rating scale with fewer categories should be considered.
Making Them Count
Authors: Bouchillon Brandon C. , Gotlieb Melissa R.
Published: February 2016

In light of waning interpersonal contact in America, scholars have turned their attention to social network sites and the opportunities these provide for building and maintaining social relationships. The present study adds to this research, using national survey data from U.S. adults to examine how motivated use of Facebook for expanding and diversifying personal networks might revitalize real-world efforts of sociability for users, and returns to social capital that come by way of them. Results support our overall model relating weak-tie interactions to generalized trust. More importantly, when we use it to compare more and less sociable Facebook users, we find meaningful differences in the strength of the relationships between variables in the model. In particular, for more sociable users, interacting with weak ties was related to greater civic participation and increased feelings of generalized trust. Access to bridging social capital was a larger source of generalized trust for more sociable users as well. Ultimately, our findings suggest that sociability on sites like Facebook can facilitate the development of communication competence, where users who make a concerted effort of expanding and diversifying their personal networks come to interact with a wider array of individuals, and learn how to do so more effectively.
Influence of the combustion chamber geometry on the scavenging of a four-stroke internal-combustion engine during the valve overlap period
Authors: Hatat Nicolas-Ivan , Chalet David , Lormier François , Chessé Pascal
Published: February 2016

The performance of an internal-combustion engine is directly related to the fuel quantity that can react with the oxygen in the air during the exothermic oxidation step, also called combustion. Thus, the amount of fuel introduced is intrinsically linked to the air volume that can be admitted into the cylinder (air filling of the cylinder). Hence keeping the air in the cylinder is one of the most important concepts to predict in simulations. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of air filling depends on many parameters. Also, the discharge coefficients, and the impact of the piston presence near the valves on the flow, during valve overlap are investigated. For this, a digital flow bench is constructed to reproduce a series of tests carried out on a flow test bench functioning as a result of the reduction in the pressure. In this paper, the engine studied is a 125 cm3 single-cylinder four-stroke atmospheric type with two valves. Thus, the idea of this paper is to treat the case of engines with large valve overlaps as small engines or engines with variable valve timing. First, traditional tests through a single valve are performed. The forward and reverse directions are systematically tested to ensure proper operation of the digital testing, and to determine the differences between tests and simulations in the case of conventional configurations. Then, the flow through the entire cylinder head, i.e. the intake valve–cylinder with piston–exhaust valve system, is tested and studied. The aim is to compare the results obtained by the tests and the simulations during the valve overlap period. Significant differences were highlighted between the rates measured in one-dimensional simulations and in the tests. It was noteworthy that the one-dimensional code overestimated the mass passing through the system during valve overlap by about one fifth of the estimated mass passing through the system from the results obtained with the test rig.
The aeroelastic characteristics of high aspect ratio wing
Authors: Yang Fan , Yue Zhufeng , Li Lei
Published: February 2016

Owing to the elasticity, the large deformation was brought in the high aspect ratio wing in the flight. The large deformation had a great influence on the flight performance. In this paper, the loosely coupled method was used for the research of high aspect ratio wing aeroelastic problems. The Navier–Stokes equations were solved for fluid domain computation, and the nonlinear finite element method was adopted for solid domain computation. The data exchange program and mesh regeneration progress were adopted for fluid–structure interface problem. Finally, the aerodynamic characteristics of high aspect ratio wing were obtained under different fly conditions. In addition, to validate the proposed method, the flutter analysis of AGARD 445.6 wing is carried out and compared with the experimental data. The numerical result validates the proposed computational fluid dynamics/computational structural mechanics method.
Algorithms for control of arrival and departure traffic in terminal airspace
Authors: Erzberger Heinz , Nikoleris Tasos , Paielli Russell A , Chu Yung-Cheng
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a design approach and basic algorithms for a future system that can perform aircraft conflict resolution, arrival scheduling and convective weather avoidance with a high level of autonomy in terminal area airspace. Such a system, located on the ground, is intended to solve autonomously the major problems currently handled manually by human controllers. It has the potential to accomodate higher traffic levels and a mix of conventional and unmanned aerial vehicles with reduced dependency on controllers. The main objective of this paper is to describe the fundamental trajectory and scheduling algorithms that provide the foundation for an autonomous system of the future. These algorithms generate trajectories that are free of conflicts with other traffic, avoid convective weather if present, and provide scheduled times for landing with specified in-trail spacings. The maneuvers the algorithms generate to resolve separation and spacing conflicts include speed, horizontal path, and altitude changes. Furthermore, a method for reassigning arrival aircraft to alternate runways in order to reduce delays is also included. The algorithms generate conflict free trajectories for terminal area traffic, comprised primarily of arrivals and departures to and from multiple airports. Examples of problems solved and performance statistics from a fast-time simulation using simulated traffic of arrivals and departures at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field are described.
Guidance law with deceleration control for moving-mass reentry warhead
Authors: Wang Linlin , Yu Jianqiao , Mei Yuesong , Wang Yafei
Published: February 2016

A deceleration guidance law is developed for a reentry warhead with a fixed angle of attack by body geometry and a single moving-mass for attitude control. The guidance model equations, including the dynamic equations of the moving-mass two-body system and the kinematic equations between the warhead and the target, which form the basis of the study, are presented. To analyze the guidance model, the equations are simplified and new variables are introduced. By simplifying the guidance model equations, the transfer functions from the lateral position of the internal mass to the error angle are obtained. Iteration of the error angle is used to control the terminal velocity at a desired value. For the moving-mass reentry warhead studied in this paper, the relationship between the miss distance and the magnitude of the error angle is developed, and precision guidance can be achieved. Nonlinear seven-degree-of-freedom trajectory simulations verify the transfer functions and demonstrate the ability of the guidance law with deceleration control in a typical reentry mission.
International Student Participation in Higher Education
Authors: Straker John
Published: February 2016

This is a conceptually oriented article which questions established notions concerning the framing of international students in Anglo-Western universities through a literature review. Focusing largely on students from Confucian Heritage Cultures (CHC), and resulting from concerns regarding their level of participation, the literature is considered to have overly represented students’ English language competence and cultures of origin as causal factors. The body of the article explores the strands of this complex debate, reviewing both the literature which argues and questions the importance of English language competence, and that which proposes, challenges, problematizes, and ultimately reaffirms the view that cultural background is the dominant factor. The article argues that the literature has emphasized international students themselves, what makes them different, rather than their participation: Despite the often best intentions to the contrary, it has played to a deficit discourse, and has not always offered helpful guidance to the practice community. The article argues that the theoretical perspective of sociocultural theory, and, in particular, activity theory, offers a theorized understanding of participation and its relationship to learning often lacking in the literature, and enables a holistic understanding of participation in educational contexts. Moreover, as a motivational theory of learning, activity theory helps put into perspective the importance of such factors as language competence and culture of origin.
Scandal 2.0
Authors: von Sikorski Christian , Hänelt Maria
Published: February 2016

Previous research shows that one-sided and uncivil reader comments posted below professionally edited online news articles may affect a recipient’s perception of the specific issue at hand. However, it remains largely unclear whether specific comments affect a reader’s perception of an individual actor depicted in an online news article. An online experiment showed substantial effects (e.g., attitudes, perceived responsibility, perceived opinion climate) of valenced reader comments on a recipient’s evaluation of a scandalized financial manager depicted in connection with a mediated financial scandal. Furthermore, recipients’ perceived journalistic quality of the article itself was affected by specific reader comments.
Encounters With—and Accounting for—Loss
Authors: Wilkinson Alex
Published: February 2016

Loss is problematic: already too much to talk about, it insistently presses upon us the force of its desire. This felt sense of loss, its affective assemblage of the irreducibility of memory and forgetting, attunes us to a deep awareness not of the propriety of our belonging(s) but, rather, to their fragility under the weight of claims to be ours in first place. Loss pulls together scenes, atmospheres, flows, and blockages, liquid assemblages of the individual with queer intersections of time and space. In this sense this article—a mix of literary critique (of Marguerite Duras’ La Douleur), autoethnographic experiment, and photographic practice—is as much a questioning of how loss encodes, in neoliberal society, certain modes of response as sacred, and attempts to find new modes of reframing loss as potency and desire.
Protective effect of cyclodextrins on the quality parameters of roast preserved pepper
Authors: Serrano-Martínez A , Fortea MI , Lucas-Abellán C , López-Miranda S. , Mercader MT , Núñez-Delicado E , Gabaldón JA
Published: February 2016

Total phenolics (TP), vitamin C, antioxidant activity and colour of preserved peppers were evaluated at 4, 25 and 50 ℃ storage during 30-day intervals. Except for 4 ℃, TP decreased during storage at 25 ℃ and 50 ℃, being softer for fortified samples with β-CDs. The protective effect was evident, since 50 ℃ samples containing β-CDs exhibited lower TP loss (19%) than control samples (38%) for 5 months storage. A decrease in the vitamin C content was observed for both samples as time and temperature progressed. In samples stored at 50 ℃ the protective effect of β-CD only was evident at the first month, since fortified samples showed lower vitamin C loss (10%) than control samples. The fortified samples with β-CDs exhibited lowest antioxidant activity loss (40%) during 90-day storage at 50 ℃, than control samples (64%). The colour changes were in line with those observed for total phenolics and at the end of study, the presence of 1% β-CDs delayed the darkening of samples at both (25 and 50 ℃) storage conditions.
Symposium Summary
Authors: Tepper Jeffrey S. , Kuehl Philip J. , Cracknell Stuart , Nikula Kristen J. , Pei Luqi , Blanchard James D.
Published: February 2016

Developing inhaled drugs requires knowledge of lung anatomy, cell biology, respiratory physiology, particle physics, and some plumbing. Although dose makes the poison, in the context of an inhaled drug, the “dose” is not easily defined. This lack of clarity around dose poses issues and challenges in the design of inhalation toxicology programs. To better understand dose, the influence of ventilation is discussed as are the perturbations in pulmonary function observed with inhalation exposure that can affect dose. Methods for determining inhaled drug deposition to arrive at an estimate of lung dose are examined. Equally important to understanding dose are the techniques used to deliver aerosols to animals. With a better understanding of dose and inhalation exposure, species-specific histopathologic lesions, both common background and toxicologically significant lesions, are reviewed. Finally, insight into how regulators synthesize and evaluate these complex findings to assess clinical safety risks is presented.
Clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Authors: Rolim Veronica Machado , Pavarini Saulo Petinatti , Campos Fabrício Souza , Pignone Viviam , Faraco Cláudia , Muccillo Marcelo de Souza , Roehe Paulo Michel , da Costa Fernanda Viera Amorim , Driemeier David
Published: February 2016

Objectives

This study presents the clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of 26 cats with feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCG).

Methods

Oral mucosal biopsies, blood and swabs were collected from cats presenting with oral lesions. The tissue sections were submitted for histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis for feline calicivirus (FCV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The swabs were subjected to PCR analysis for FCV, and blood for FeLV and FIV.

Results

The main clinical findings were dysphagia (88.2%), halitosis (76.5%), sialorrhea (47.1%), weight loss (41.2%), intense oral discomfort (35.3%), oral hemorrhage (17.6%), and lackluster and fragile coat (11.8%). Gross inspection revealed bilateral lesions across the palatoglossal fold to the lateral tongue base. The lesions were diffuse, proliferative, intensely red and friable, and bled easily upon examination in 80.8% of cases. In 23.1% of cases, the lesions were multifocal to coalescent, at times forming multiple vesicles on a reddened, edematous palatoglossal fold. Microscopic examination showed that 15.4% of lesions had moderate (grade 2) and 84.6% had severe (grade 3) inflammation. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of FeLV antigens in the epithelium and the inflammatory infiltrate of 30.8% of the cats with FCG. FCV antigens were not detected in the FCG lesions.

Conclusions and relevance

The FCG cases analyzed could not be correlated with FCV. It is possible that FeLV plays a role as a causal agent of lesions in cases where the presence of the virus has been confirmed by immunohistochemistry in epithelial samples.
Malperfusion syndromes in aortic dissections
Authors: Crawford Todd C , Beaulieu Robert J , Ehlert Bryan A , Ratchford Elizabeth V , Black James H
Published: February 2016

Aortic dissection remains a challenging clinical scenario, especially when complicated by peripheral malperfusion. Improvements in medical imaging have furthered understanding of the pathophysiology of malperfusion events in association with aortic dissection, including the elucidation of different mechanisms of branch vessel obstruction. Despite these advances, malperfusion syndrome remains a deadly entity with significant mortality. This review presents the latest knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of aortic dissection complicated by malperfusion syndrome, and discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for management of this vicious entity.
Identifying problems with luminaire luminance measurements for discomfort glare analysis
Authors: Słomiński S
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the capabilities of imaging luminance measuring devices for determining discomfort glare. Common opinions on light-emitting diode (LED)-based street lighting luminaires say these products cause high glare. This paper contains the results of calculations and thoughts on the potential measurement errors arising from the incompatibility of the measuring device parameters (number of pixels, sensor dimensions and focal length) to the resolution of the human eye. There are also some cases presented where this incompatibility is of the highest importance, i.e., for the luminance distribution measurements connected with identifying a discomfort glare problem caused, in particular, by multi-source LED luminaires.
Simball Box for Laparoscopic Training With Advanced 4D Motion Analysis of Skills
Authors: Hagelsteen Kristine , Sevonius Dan , Bergenfelz Anders , Ekelund Mikael
Published: February 2016

Background. Laparoscopic skills training and evaluation outside the operating room is important for all surgeons learning new skills. To study feasibility, a video box trainer tracking 4-dimensional (4D) metrics was evaluated as a laparoscopic training tool. Method. Simball Box is a video box trainer with authentic surgical instruments and camera with video recording, equipped with 4D motion analysis registered through trocars using machine vision technology. Residents attending a 3-day laparoscopy course were evaluated performing a laparoscopic surgical knot at start, middle, and end. Metrics were obtained. Feedback data were presented in reference to expert/tutorial performance. Results. Ten right-handed residents were included. Median time (range) to finish the task was 359 (253-418), 129 (95-166), and 95 (52-156) seconds; 655%, 236%, and 174% of tutorial performance, with significance pre-/midcourse ( P < .0001), pre-/postcourse ( P < .0001), and mid-/postcourse ( P = .0050). Combined median total instrument motion decreased pre-/midcourse from 1208 (845-1751) to 522 cm (411-810 cm); P = .042 to 405 cm (246-864 cm) postcourse; pre-/postcourse P < .0001; 673%, 291%, 225% of tutorial performance. Total angular distance in radians (range) was 150 (87-251), 65 (42-116), and 50 (33-136) with significance pre-/midcourse ( P = .022) and pre-/postcourse ( P = .0002). Right-handed average speed (cm/s) increased: 1.94 (1.11-2.27) pre-, 2.39 (1.56-2.83) mid-, 2.60 (1.67-3.19) postcourse with significance pre-/midcourse ( P = .022) and pre-/postcourse ( P = .002). Average acceleration (mm/s2) and motion smoothness (µm/s3) failed to show any difference. Conclusion. For laparoscopic training and as a promising evaluation device, Simball Box obtained metrics mirroring progression well.
Model-based roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis of the surface replacement trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty
Authors: ten Brinke B. , Mathijssen N. M. C. , Blom I. , Deijkers R. L. M. , Ooms E. M. , Kraan G. A.
Published: February 2016

The primary aim of this clinical and radiostereometric study was to study the migration pattern of the surface replacement trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis (SR™TMC, Avanta®, San Diego, CA). The secondary aims were to assess patient-related outcomes and prosthesis survival 5 years after surgery. Ten patients received the prosthesis. Radiostereometric radiographs were obtained 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 5 years post-operatively and were analysed using model-based software. All patients completed DASH and Nelson Hospital scores at these follow-ups. Mean translations varied between 0.0 and 0.5 mm after 5 years. Rotation values could be calculated in six patients and mean rotations varied between −0.3 and 2.3°, although the precision of rotation values seems to be poor. The 5-year survival rate was 80%. Mean pre-operative DASH and Nelson Hospital scores were 53 (SD 14) and 51 (SD 13), respectively. Six months post-operatively, the DASH and Nelson Hospital scores had both significantly improved to 25 (SD 20) and 74 (SD 18) and remained high after 5 years. Implant stability was good 5 years post-operatively, and early migration did not predict implant failure in this study.

Level of Evidence: IV.
Arthrodesis of the Subtalar Joint in a High School Football Player With a Talocalcaneal Coalition
Authors: Winslow John , Norland Ryan , Storb Nathan , Cannella Sam , King Deborah
Published: February 2016

Tarsal coalition is a bony or fibrous bridge between 2 tarsal bones. The condition is typically congenital and presents in early to mid-adolescence. Common symptoms include ankle pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Conservative treatment of tarsal coalition consists of immobilization, short leg walking cast, steroid injections, physical therapy, ankle braces, and orthotics. When conservative care fails, surgical intervention for tarsal coalition includes excision of the coalition or joint arthrodesis. We present a case of a high school football player with a 5-year history of left ankle pain secondary to a talocalcaneal coalition. The athlete did not respond favorably to conservative treatment and underwent a subtalar joint arthrodesis. Prior to surgery, the athlete consented to self-reported functional outcome measures, range of motion measures, and 3D video gait analysis to evaluate the effects of surgery. Measurements were taken prior to surgery and 1½ years after surgery. Clinically significant improvements were seen in subjective outcome measures and functional ankle range of motion in this case. There is limited research available to validate long-term outcomes for current conservative and surgical treatments of tarsal coalition. In this case, joint arthrodesis resulted in a good long-term outcome for this athlete.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study
Technique Tip
Authors: Scott Daniel , Shi Glenn Guangyu , Adams Samuel
Published: February 2016

Ankle fractures are among the most common traumatic injuries encountered by orthopaedic surgeons, but obtaining anatomic syndesmosis fixation can be difficult. Previous authors have described the centroidal axis of the syndesmosis. Our group has developed a novel technique of aligning the tibia and fibula along their anatomic centroidal axis using a targeting guide, which has showed good results in 1 patient at 1-year follow-up.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion
Personality Trait Development During the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: van Scheppingen Manon A. , Jackson Joshua J. , Specht Jule , Hutteman Roos , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Bleidorn Wiebke
Published: February 2016

Social investment theory (SIT) proposes that the transition to parenthood triggers positive personality trait change in early adulthood. Using data from a representative sample of first-time parents compared to nonparents, the results of rigorous tests do not support the propositions of SIT. Specifically, we found no evidence for the proposition that parents show more pronounced mean-level increases in emotional stability, agreeableness, and conscientiousness compared to nonparents. We did find that agreeableness and openness changed depending on how long someone was in the parent role. Finally, our results suggest that high extraversion and low openness in both genders and high conscientiousness in females predict the likelihood to enter into parenthood. Discussion focuses on why this transition seems to be unrelated to mean-level personality trait change and the implications of these results for SIT.
The operational value of human capital theory and cultural capital theory in social stratification
Authors: Aziz Abdul
Published: February 2016

Policy prescriptions concerning the state of pedagogy by previous government administrations have transformed the education system into a market model where brand values and purchasing power appear to be increasingly dictating access to education rather than the ability to learn and meritocracy. This article explores the pervasion of market values and market norms into the realms of pedagogy and the influence of class power in determining the dispensation and consumption of human capital and cultural capital.
Surgical management of an anomalous right coronary artery
Authors: Pontailler Margaux , Demondion Pierre , Lebreton Guillaume
Published: February 2016

Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries is a rare congenital heart disease that can be associated with sudden death. We present the case of a young patient who sustained a cardiac arrest revealing an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery. Unroofing and pericardial enlargement of the coronary artery ostia was performed and the patient is actually asymptomatic.
YouTubeTM as a source of patient information for ureteroscopy
Authors: Abboudi Hamid , Mikhail Michael , Ghazal-Aswad Mohammed , Michael Michael , Pope Alvan
Published: February 2016

Objective:

YouTubeTM has provided a platform that is utilised by millions. Patients are increasingly utilising this source of information. We set out to systematically analyse the quality of ureteroscopy videos.

Materials and methods:

YouTubeTM was searched using the term ‘ureteroscopy’. Content was assessed using the British Association of Urological Surgeons website criteria. Information relating to management options, procedural description, stent insertion, recovery and complications was rated. An overall rating was given. Videos were also analysed in terms of country of origin, view count, likes, dislikes, source and technical quality. The kappa statistic was used.

Results:

A total of 59 videos were analysed. The total number of viewings was 557,896 (range: 42– 121,943), with an average number of 9456 viewings per video. The information content was either poor or average in 98% ( n = 58) of videos, with only 2% ( n=1) rated as good and 0% achieving an excellent rating. Technical quality was rated as poor in 28 videos, average in 22 and good in nine videos. Most videos were broadcast by surgeons or surgical institutes (48/59).

Conclusion:

The quality of videos is variable. Patients should not be encouraged to use this for education. Opportunity has arisen for the endourology community to produce high quality video broadcasts to optimise patient understanding.
Tetralogy of Fallot With Left Pulmonary Artery Discontinuity and Totally Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage to the Azygos Vein
Authors: Giamberti Alessandro , Huseinov Farid , Yuzbashova Madina , Musayev Seymur , Piazza Luciane , Mahmudov Rashad
Published: February 2016

We describe a 13-month-old patient with tetralogy of Fallot, left pulmonary artery discontinuity, and supracardiac totally anomalous pulmonary venous drainage to the azygos vein. The diagnosis and the management of this rare association are briefly discussed.
Shielding in Mental Health Hospitals
Authors: Haugom Espen W. , Granerud Arild
Published: February 2016

Shielding is defined as the confinement of patients to a single room or a separate unit/area inside the ward, accompanied by a member of staff. It is understood as both a treatment and a control. The purpose of this study is to examine how staff in psychiatric hospitals describe and assess shielding. This qualitative study uses a descriptive and exploratory design with an inductive approach. The material was acquired through the Acute Network (in Psychiatry) nationwide shielding project. Data collection was carried out by the staff, who described the shielding procedure on a semi-structured form. The analysis was inspired by Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis. Shielding has been described as an ambiguous practice, that is, shielding can be understood in several ways. There is a clear tension between shielding as a control and shielding as a treatment, with control being described as more important. The important therapeutic elements of shielding have also been mentioned, and shielding involves isolation to different degrees.
Spontaneous Thought and Vulnerability to Mood Disorders
Authors: Marchetti Igor , Koster Ernst H. W. , Klinger Eric , Alloy Lauren B.
Published: February 2016

There is increasing interest in spontaneous thought, namely task-unrelated or rest-related mental activity. Spontaneous thought is an umbrella term for processes like mind-wandering, involuntary autobiographical memory, and daydreaming, with evidence elucidating adaptive and maladaptive consequences. In this theoretical framework, we propose that, apart from its positive functions, spontaneous thought is a precursor for cognitive vulnerability in individuals who are at risk for mood disorders. It is important that spontaneous thought mostly focuses on unattained goals and evaluates the discrepancy between current and desired status. In individuals who stably (i.e., trait negative affectivity) or transitorily (i.e., stress) experience negative emotions in reaction to goal-discrepancy, spontaneous thought fosters major cognitive vulnerabilities (e.g., rumination, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and cognitive reactivity), which, in turn, enhance depression. Furthermore, we also highlight preliminary links between spontaneous thought and bipolar disorder. The evidence for this framework is reviewed, and we discuss theoretical and clinical implications of our proposal.
Identifying Essential Features of Juvenile Psychopathy in the Prediction of Later Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Vize Colin E. , Lynam Donald R. , Lamkin Joanna , Miller Joshua D. , Pardini Dustin
Published: February 2016

Despite years of research and the inclusion of psychopathy in DSM-5, there remains debate over the fundamental components of psychopathy. Although there is agreement about traits related to agreeableness and conscientiousness, there is less agreement about traits related to fearless dominance (FD) or boldness. The present article uses proxies of FD and self-centered impulsivity (SCI) to examine the contribution of FD-related traits to the predictive utility of psychopathy in a large, longitudinal sample of boys to test four possibilities: FD (a) assessed earlier is a risk factor, (b) interacts with other risk-related variables to predict later psychopathy, (c) interacts with SCI interact to predict outcomes, and (d) bears curvilinear relations to outcomes. SCI received excellent support as a measure of psychopathy in adolescence; however, FD was unrelated to criteria in all tests. It is suggested that FD be dropped from psychopathy and that future research focus on agreeableness and conscientiousness.
Patient Understanding of HIV and Hepatitis C Testing in an Emergency Department with an Integrated Program
Authors: Anderson Erik S. , Pfeil Sarah K. , Alter Harrison J. , White Douglas A. E.
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

We implemented triage nurse rapid HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, in parallel with physician diagnostic testing, in our urban emergency department (ED).

Methods:

A 2-month cross-sectional survey was performed to determine the proportion of patients who correctly reported being tested for HIV and HCV.

Results:

A total of 492 patients were surveyed. Fifty-one (70%) of the 73 patients who reported being HIV tested and 372 (89%) of the 419 patients who reported not being HIV tested were correct. Thirty (60%) of the 50 patients who reported being HCV tested and 416 (94%) of the 442 patients who reported not being HCV tested were correct.

Conclusion:

Although most ED patients correctly reported whether testing was performed, there were many who did not. Although ED screening programs for HIV and HCV serve as an important venue for screening, strategies to improve communication require attention.
Adaptation Strategies of Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Roper Jaimie A. , Terza Matthew J. , Tillman Mark D. , Hass Chris J.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Despite the strong implications for rehabilitation design, the capability of individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to adapt and store novel gait patterns have not been well studied.

Purpose:

To investigate how reconstructive surgery may affect the ability to adapt and store novel gait patterns in persons with ACLR while walking on a split-belt treadmill.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Gait adaptation was compared between 20 participants with ACLR and 20 healthy controls during split-belt treadmill walking. Gait adaptation was assessed in slow- and fast-adapting parameters by (1) the magnitude of symmetry during late adaptation and (2) the amount of the asymmetry during de-adaptation.

Results:

Healthy individuals adapted a new walking pattern and stored the new walking pattern equally in both the dominant and nondominant limbs. Conversely, individuals with ACLR displayed impairments in both slow-adapting and fast-adapting derived gait adaptation and significant differences in behavior between the reconstructed and uninjured limb.

Conclusion:

While surgical reconstruction and physical therapy are aimed at improving mechanical stability to the knee, the study data suggest that fundamental features of motor control remain altered. After ACLR, participants display an altered ability to learn and store functional gait patterns.
Decreased Antibiotic Prescription in an Italian Pediatric Population With Nonspecific and Persistent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections by Use of a Point-of-Care White Blood Cell Count, in Addition to Antibiotic Delayed Prescription Strategy
Authors: Cioffi Luigi , Limauro Raffaele , Sassi Roberto , Boccazzi Antonio , del Gaizo Donatella
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to test, in delayed antibiotic strategy, if the usages of a point-of-care leukocyte count would significantly decrease the prescription rate of antibiotics for children with nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections. A prospective clinical trial was performed in 23 primary care pediatric doctors’ offices on children with nonspecific upper respiratory tract infection with fever for at least 48 hours. The children were randomized into 2 groups: one using a point-of-care white blood cell (WBC) count as guidance and the other prescribing antibiotics to all children, according to delayed antibiotics prescription strategy. A total of 792 patients participated. In the WBC group (n = 437), 56 patients had WBC >15 000/mm3 and received antibiotics. At follow-up, an additional 44 children received antibiotics. In the control group (n = 355), antibiotics were prescribed to all children. The reduction of antibiotic usage was 77% between the groups. The decrease in antibiotic usage gave no influence on recovery, complications, or other medical outcome.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation and Networking Capabilities on the Export Performance of Nigerian Agricultural SMEs
Authors: Ajayi Busayo
Published: February 2016

SME internationalisation is growing apace, signifying the global importance of SMEs to local and global economies. A key form of SME internationalisation is export. This article provides an empirical basis to understand how institutional factors could affect export performance of the Nigerian agricultural sector’s SMEs. We empirically assess the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, networking capability, institutional environment factors and export performance of 235 Nigerian agricultural firms. The result affirms that there is a strong positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, networking capabilities, institutional environment factors and the export performance of agricultural sector SMEs in Nigeria. Our results suggest that the ability of agricultural SMEs to be proactive, innovative, take risks, manages its networking capabilities and institutional environment factors; all having a direct impact on the export performance of Nigerian Agricultural SME’s. Institutional environment factors such as government policies, procedures and regulations can lessen the influence of entrepreneurial orientation and networking capabilities on Nigerian agricultural SMEs’ export performance. Our research offers guidance for future research on the internationalisation of agricultural SMEs, especially in emerging economies.
The Legacy of Pandita Ramabai: Mahatma of Mukti
Authors: Frykenberg Robert Eric
Published: February 2016

Pandita Ramabai Dongre (1858–1922), renowned for prodigious learning, became world famous as a social reformer, educator, speaker and advocate for the causes of women. Her Brahman father had been banished for daring to impart Sanskrit literacy to her child-mother. Her life-long spiritual quest for liberty ( mukti) led her to an ever deepening relationship to Christ. After sojourns in Britain and America, she established the Mukti Mission in Kedgaon, India. Her last days were devoted completing a common “mother-tongue” Marathi translation of the Bible.
Perineural (Tarlov) Cyst Imitating Complex Adnexal Cyst
Authors: Podsadecki Crista , Kihiczak Danylo , Viduetsky Alexander
Published: February 2016

Patients are frequently referred for pelvic sonograms to evaluate for adnexal masses. Determining the etiology of the adnexal mass can be challenging, but is necessary to establish a follow-up strategy and correct diagnosis. It is particularly important in those cases when adnexal lesions appear to be complex and the ovaries are not visualized sonographically. Perineural cysts were found incidentally by Tarlov in 1938 during autopsy. This report documents a lesion now bearing his name, Tarlov cysts (TCs). They are defined as cerebrospinal fluid–filled saccular lesions located in the extradural space of the sacral spinal canal and are formed within the nerve root sheath at the dorsal root ganglion. The perineurium and neural tissue make up the cysts’ walls. Usually asymptomatic, a TC is mostly found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine and sacrum. Occasionally, a TC mimics an adnexal cyst.