bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are community‐based health worker interventions an effective approach for early diagnosis of cancer? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bellhouse Sarah , McWilliams Lorna , Firth Joseph , Yorke Janelle , French David P.
Published: October 2017

Objective

This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of community‐based health worker (CBHW) interventions for early detection of cancer. Secondary aims were to consider the extent that interventions were based on theory, and potential moderators including behaviour change techniques (BCTs).

Methods

Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were applied to 30 eligible studies with a cancer screening outcome.

Results

Participation in CBHW interventions was associated with increased receipt of screening (OR = 1.901, 95% CI: 1.60–2.26, P < 0.001) for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer. Larger effect sizes were observed in participants previously non‐adherent with recommended schedules of cancer screening. Twenty‐five out of 30 studies were conducted with ethnic minority groups. Only 15 (45%) studies explicitly reported a theoretical foundation for intervention. The number of BCTs used by CBHWs had a trend level association with observed effect size (P = 0.08). Study quality was generally poor, and common limitations were inadequate blinding and reliance on self‐reported outcomes.

Conclusions

Community‐based health worker interventions are an effective resource for increasing uptake of all 3 types of cancer screening in ethnic minority groups. Those previously non‐adherent with recommended schedules of cancer screening benefitted the most from the CBHW approach. However, better quality studies based on more explicit evidence‐based theory are needed to optimise the effectiveness of CBHW interventions on screening uptake. Further research is needed to ascertain whether CBHWs can help promote symptom recognition and help‐seeking behaviour to facilitate early diagnosis of cancer.
Observations of submeso motions and intermittent turbulent mixing across a low level jet with a 132‐m tower
Authors: Mortarini L. , Cava D. , Giostra U. , Acevedo O. , Nogueira Martins L.G. , Soares de Oliveira P. E. , Anfossi D.
Published: October 2017

The coexistence of wave‐like submeso motions and anisotropic intermittent turbulence in a night‐time stable boundary layer is investigated. Submeso motions of different characteristics and amplitudes interact with each other. These interactions may lead to intermittent turbulence production which alters the turbulent structure of the stable boundary layer. On the other hand, the production and transfer of turbulence affect the delicate balance of submeso motions. In this work, sonic anemometer data collected at 11 levels in southeastern Brazil have been used to study a case of a nocturnal boundary layer at a coastal site. The absence of forcing at the synoptic scale allows the development of a breeze circulation on which a low‐level jet of moderate intensity (4 m s−1) and low height (about 50 m) takes place. The jet evolution is coupled with dirty waves, while its full development is associated with gravity waves driven by a strong vertical temperature gradient. The layer centred at the low‐level jet nose is characterized by horizontal meandering and very weak turbulence intensity. The air far below and above the low‐level jet maximum experiences bursts of significant increase of the turbulence intensity, showing a three‐layer structure. The oscillations of the horizontal wind components exhibit the same frequency as the temperature oscillations, suggesting that the presence of an adequate temperature horizontal gradient is one of the fundamental drivers of the meandering phenomenon. The considered night has been studied by means of the Eulerian auto‐correlation functions for the detection of the meandering hours and their oscillation time‐scales, and by means of the continuous Morlet wavelet function for the detection of the gravity waves and the characterization of their spatial time‐scales and temporal evolution.
Concise Review: Epigenetic Regulation of Hematopoiesis: Biological Insights and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Antoniani Chiara , Romano Oriana , Miccio Annarita
Published: October 2017

Hematopoiesis is the process of blood cell formation starting from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). The understanding of regulatory networks involved in hematopoiesis and their impact on gene expression is crucial to decipher the molecular mechanisms that control hematopoietic development in physiological and pathological conditions, and to develop novel therapeutic strategies. An increasing number of epigenetic studies aim at defining, on a genome-wide scale, the cis-regulatory sequences (e.g., promoters and enhancers) used by human HSPCs and their lineage-restricted progeny at different stages of development. In parallel, human genetic studies allowed the discovery of genetic variants mapping to cis-regulatory elements and associated with hematological phenotypes and diseases. Here, we summarize recent epigenetic and genetic studies in hematopoietic cells that give insights into human hematopoiesis and provide a knowledge basis for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. As an example, we discuss the therapeutic approaches targeting cis-regulatory regions to reactivate fetal hemoglobin for the treatment of β-hemoglobinopathies. Epigenetic studies allowed the definition of cis-regulatory sequences used by human hematopoietic cells. Promoters and enhancers are targeted by transcription factors and are characterized by specific histone modifications. Genetic variants mapping to cis-regulatory elements are often associated with hematological phenotypes and diseases. In some cases, these variants can alter the binding of transcription factors, thus changing the expression of the target genes. Targeting cis-regulatory sequences represents a promising therapeutic approach for many hematological diseases.
Dilute Solution Properties of Two Hairless Canary Seed Starches Compared with Wheat Starch in a Binary Solvent: Influence of Temperature, Mono‐ and Divalent Cations
Authors: Heydari Ali , Razavi Seyed M. A. , Irani Mahdi
Published: October 2017

The dilute solution properties of starches from two canary seed varieties (C05041 and CDC Maria), as well as wheat starch (WS) in DMSO/H2O (9/1 v/v %) solution, as a function of salt type (NaCl and CaCl2) and salt concentration (5–100 mM) at different temperatures (25, 35, 45, and 55 °C) are investigated. Various models, i.e., Huggins, Kraemer, Higiro, and Tanglertpaibul and Rao equations are applied for estimating the intrinsic viscosity [η] of the canary seed starches (CSSs) and WS in dilute solution. Of all the examined models, the Higiro 1 model shows a higher performance for determining the intrinsic viscosity of the selected starches at all temperatures and ionic strengths. The intrinsic viscosity [η] of the selected starches decreases significantly with an increase in ionic strength, at all examined temperatures. The results show that the influence of NaCl on the [η] reduction of CDC Maria starch and WS is more than for C05041 starch. The shape functions of the selected starches at 25 °C are spherical; however, with increasing ionic strength and temperature from 25 to 55 °C, the CSSs and WS samples take an ellipsoidal shape. The Berry number and the slope of the master curve reveal that CSSs and WS solutions at all temperatures and salt concentrations are in the dilute domain and no molecular entanglements occur.
Efficacy and safety of the traditional Japanese herbal medicine kamikihito for bone marrow suppression, particularly thrombocytopenia, during chemotherapy for advanced recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Yanase Toru , Kikuchi Akira , Sasagawa Motoi
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the traditional herbal medicine kamikihito for bone marrow suppression, particularly thrombocytopenia, during cancer chemotherapy.

Methods

This retrospective pilot study investigated changes in hemoglobin (Hb) and neutrophil and platelet (Plt) count from before to after kamikihito treatment in nine patients with advanced recurrent ovarian cancer who developed grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy (13 and 16 cycles before and after kamikihito use, respectively).

Results

Although the nadir Hb did not change significantly, the degree of change in Hb (baseline – nadir) during respective chemotherapy cycles (before vs after kamikihito use: 1.8 vs 1.0 g/dL), was significantly mitigated after kamikihito use. The nadir neutrophil count and degree of change in neutrophil count did not differ with kamikihito use. The nadir Plt count was slightly higher after kamikihito use (before, 2.9 × 104/μL; after, 3.4 × 104/μL), and the degree of change in Plt count (before, 12.7 × 104/μL vs after, 10.9 × 104/μL), was significantly mitigated after kamikihito use. Finally, significantly fewer days were required for Plt recovery from the nadir to a ≤grade 2 Plt count decrease after kamikihito use (before, 9.3 days; after, 5.8 days).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced recurrent ovarian cancer, kamikihito could alleviate anemia and thrombocytopenia and reduce the risk of requiring blood transfusion. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to accumulate further data.
Counting ovarian antral follicles by ultrasound: a practical guide
Authors: Coelho Neto M. A. , Ludwin A. , Borrell A. , Benacerraf B. , Dewailly D. , da Silva Costa F. , Condous G. , Alcazar J. L. , Jokubkiene L. , Guerriero S. , Van den Bosch T. , Martins W. P.
Published: October 2017

This Consensus Opinion summarizes the main aspects of several techniques for performing ovarian antral follicle count (AFC), proposes a standardized report and provides recommendations for future research. AFC should be performed using a transvaginal ultrasound (US) probe with frequency ≥ 7 MHz. For training, we suggest a minimum of 20–40 supervised examinations. The operator should be able to adjust the machine settings in order to achieve the best contrast between follicular fluid and ovarian stroma. AFC may be evaluated using real‐time two‐dimensional (2D) US, stored 2D‐US cine‐loops and stored three‐dimensional (3D) US datasets. Real‐time 2D‐US has the advantage of permitting additional maneuvers to determine whether an anechoic structure is a follicle, but may require a longer scanning time, particularly when there is a large number of follicles, resulting in more discomfort to the patient. 2D‐US cine‐loops have the advantages of reduced scanning time and the possibility for other observers to perform the count. The 3D‐US technique requires US machines with 3D capability and the operators to receive additional training for acquisition/analysis, but has the same advantages as cine‐loop and also allows application of different imaging techniques, such as volume contrast imaging, inversion mode and semi‐automated techniques such as sonography‐based automated volume calculation. In this Consensus Opinion, we make certain recommendations based on the available evidence. However, there is no strong evidence that any one method is better than another; the operator should choose the best method for counting ovarian follicles based on availability of resources and on their own preference and skill. More studies evaluating how to improve the reliability of AFC should be encouraged. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Compensation Discrimination: An Analysis of Linebackers, Defensive Linemen, and Defensive Backs in the National Football League
Authors: Ducking Johnny , Groothuis Peter A. , Hill James Richard
Published: October 2017

Previous studies have analyzed compensation discrimination in the National Football League with mixed results. We examine the market for defensive players: defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs and find some evidence of discrimination against Black linebackers. We do not find any evidence of discrimination against Black defensive linemen and defensive backs. Our results provide some support for the hypothesis that employers, employees, or customers discriminate against Black linebackers due to prejudice against Black players who have to make decisions that play a major role in the success of the entire defense.
Taxation and agency conflicts between firm owners and managers: a review
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Kourouxous Thomas , Krenn Peter
Published: October 2017

When analyzing the influence of taxation on agency conflicts between firm owners and managers, one can draw on theoretical principal–agent literature from various research fields. In recent years, this interdisciplinary research has grown significantly covering research with regards to optimal compensation, investment decisions, tax avoidance and transfer pricing while analyzing the effects of corporate income taxes, wage taxes, bonus taxes and shareholder taxes. Our paper provides a comprehensive review of analytical literature that studies the influence of taxation on agency conflicts between firm owners and managers. Above and beyond summarizing research findings, we discuss how taxes are commonly implemented in agency models, derive empirical predictions, and identify research gaps for future tax research.
Evaluation of weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin followed by anthracycline chemotherapy on the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Castrellon Aurelio B. , Velez Michel , Nguyen Steven M. , Blaya Marcelo , Barnick Sandra , Dumais Katerine , LeCroy Nicholas , Raez Luis E.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with weekly paclitaxel in combination with weekly carboplatin area under curve 2 followed by anthracycline chemotherapy.

Patients and methods:

This is a retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients (N = 32) with stage 1c–III triple-negative breast cancer. Patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 once per week for 12 weeks in combination with car-boplatin area under curve 2 once per week for 12 weeks (wP + wCb), followed by a standard anthracycline regimen including either doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 2 or 3 weeks, or epirubicin 90 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for four cycles with myeloid growth factor support.

Results:

Most patients (91%) received all 12 cycles of wP + wCb, and 88% received all four planned cycles of anthracycline chemotherapy. Of the patients, 84% completed all planned therapies. The complete pathologic response rate was 60%. In terms of hematologic toxicity, 96% of the patients experienced grade ≥3 leucopenia, 40% grade ≥3 anemia, and 15% grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, and neutropenic fever was seen in 22% of the patients.

Conclusion:

The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with wP + wCb before anthracycline chemotherapy can be tolerated by patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Complete pathologic response rates were comparable with those historically seen. Careful selection of patients is fundamental as this regimen is associated with a high incidence of hematologic toxicity.
Impact of supply base structural complexity on financial performance: Roles of visible and not‐so‐visible characteristics
Authors: Lu Guanyi , Shang Guangzhi
Published: October 2017

Supply chains have become increasingly complex in the last decade, which makes their structural characteristics important determinants of firm performance. Prior studies on supply chain structure have largely emphasized network‐level attributes but ignored supply‐base level characteristics. However, in many cases it is the 1st tier suppliers, not those “deep in the network,” that have most immediate influence on the buyer. In addition, some structural characteristics, such as direct links between the buyer's suppliers and its customers, are not‐so‐visible to the buyer, yet can impact its financial performance dramatically. The existing literature has overlooked these not‐so‐visible structural links. Using objective supply chain data collected from Mergent Online and Compustat, we map the supply base structure of 867 public firms. We construct three visible (horizontal, vertical and spatial) and two not‐so‐visible (eliminative and cooperative) structural complexity metrics, and examine their impacts on buyer firms' financial performance as measured by Return on Assets and Tobin's Q. Our empirical analysis shows that the five dimensions have differential effects: some have negligible impacts while others appear to strongly affect financial performance. Contrary to the common belief that complexity hurts performance, we find that an individual complexity dimension may have both positive and negative effects, and the overall effect may be non‐linear.
Testosterone Therapy and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Hypogonadal Men: An Administrative Health Care Claims Study
Authors: Li Hu , Mitchell Lucy , Zhang Xiang , Heiselman Darell , Motsko Stephen
Published: October 2017

Background

There are some ongoing debates on the potential link between testosterone therapy (TT) and risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Aim

To investigate the association between acute MI and TT use compared with non-use in men having documented hypogonadism (diagnostic International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 257.2, 257.8, 257.9, 758.7) in patient claims records.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used a real-world US-based administrative health care claims database (MarketScan 2004–2013; Truven Health Analytics, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) to compare MI rates between TT-treated men and a cohort of untreated hypogonadal men matched by a calendar time-specific propensity score. Subgroup analyses were performed by route of administration, age, and prior cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Outcomes

Incidence rates of MI (per 1,000 person-years) and hazard ratio.

Results

After 1:1 calendar time-specific propensity score matching, 207,176 TT-treated men and 207,176 untreated hypogonadal men were included in the analysis (mean age = 51.8 years). Incidence rates of MI were 4.20 (95% CI = 3.87–4.52) in the TT-treated cohort and 4.67 (95% CI = 4.43–4.90) in the untreated hypogonadal cohort. Cox regression model showed no significant association between TT use and MI when comparing TT-treated with untreated hypogonadal men overall (hazard ratio = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.89–1.09), by age, or by prior CVD. A significant association was observed when comparing a subgroup of injectable (short- and long-acting combined) TT users with untreated hypogonadal men (hazard ratio = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.24–1.93).

Clinical Implication

In this study, there was no association between TT (overall) and risk of acute MI.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths included the use of a comprehensive real-world database, sophisticated matching based on calendar blocks of 6 months to decrease potential bias in this observational study, carefully chosen index dates for the untreated cohort to avoid immortal time bias, and implemented sensitivity analysis to further investigate the findings (stratification by administration route, age, and prior CVD). Key limitations included no information about adherence, hypogonadism condition based solely on diagnosis (no information on clinical symptoms or testosterone levels), lack of information on disease severity, inability to capture diagnoses, medical procedures, and medicine dispensing if corresponding billing codes were not generated and findings could contain biases or fail to generalize well to other populations.

Conclusion

This large, retrospective, real-world observational study showed no significant association between TT use and acute MI when comparing TT-treated with untreated hypogonadal men overall, by age, or by prior CVD; the suggested association between injectable TT and acute MI deserves further investigation.
How Big is Too Big? The Girth of Bestselling Insertive Sex Toys to Guide Maximal Neophallus Dimensions
Authors: Isaacson Dylan , Aghili Roxana , Wongwittavas Non , Garcia Maurice
Published: October 2017

Background

In our practice we have encountered 4 female-to-male transgender patients seeking neophallus revision surgery for girth precluding penetrative vaginal or anal intercourse. Despite this, there is little evidence available to guide transitioning patients in neophallus sizing. In this work we examined the dimensions of bestselling realistic dildos, presuming that the most popular dimensions would reflect population preferences for penetrative toys and phalluses.

Aim

To determine a maximal upper limit for girth compatible with penetrative intercourse based on measurements of bestselling realistic dildos and published erect penile dimensions.

Methods

We collected measurements for “realistic dildos” designated as bestsellers for the top 5 Alexa.com-rated online adult retailers in the United States and for Amazon.com. We compared these with measurements of dildos available at Good Vibrations in San Francisco and with studies of erect natal dimensions. We compared all data with measurements of 4 index patients whose neophallus girth prevented penetrative intercourse.

Outcomes

Length and circumference of overall bestselling and largest bestselling realistic dildos as reported on top websites and measured by investigators.

Results

The average insertive length of the compiled dildos (16.7 ± 1.6 cm) was 1 SD longer than natal functional erect penile length as reported in the literature (15.7 ± 2.6 cm); however, their average circumference (12.7 ± 0.8 cm) mirrored natal erect penile girth (12.3 ± 1.3). The average girth of vendors' top 3 largest-girth dildos was 15.1 ± 0.9 cm, 2 SD wider than natal erect penile girth. Index patients had an average length of 16.3 ± 3.2 cm and an average girth of 17.6 ± 1.3 cm. Index patient girth was 4 to 5 SD wider than the average natal erect girth.

Clinical Implications

Based on our data, we suggest that a surgically created neophallus should have a girth no wider than 15.1 cm after implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis. This corresponds to 2 SD wider than the average natal man's erect girth.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths include in-person measurements of patients whose girth prevented penetrative intercourse, the large number of dildos assessed, and correlations with in-person measurements. Limitations include the inability to account for the pliability of different materials, whether dildos were used for vaginal and/or anal insertion, the limited sample of 4 transmen for in-person measurement, and the absence of implanted inflatable penile prostheses in index neophalluses.

Conclusions

Neophallus girth wider than 15.1 cm could lead to difficulty in penetrative intercourse for many individuals. A conservative recommendation for neophallus girth is 13 to 14 cm, or 0.5 to 1.5 SD wider than natal erect penile girth.
Enhanced Electrical Field Stimulated Nitrergic and Purinergic Vasoreactivity in Distal vs Proximal Internal Pudendal Arteries
Authors: Odom Michael R. , Pak Elena S. , Brown David A. , Hannan Johanna L.
Published: October 2017

Background

The internal pudendal arteries (IPAs) supply blood to the penis and are highly susceptible to vascular remodeling in rodent models of diabetes, hypertension, aging, and chronic kidney disease, thus contributing to erectile dysfunction. Interestingly, vascular remodeling primarily occurs in the distal and not in the proximal IPA, suggesting distinct local physiologic signaling differences within the IPA.

Aim

To examine the role of purinergic signaling and neurotransmitter release by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the regulation of proximal and distal IPA vascular tone.

Methods

Proximal and distal IPAs were mounted in wire myographs and vascular responses to phenylephrine, acetylcholine, and 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide, diethyl-ammonium salt (DEA NONOate) were measured. EFS-mediated contraction and non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) relaxation were evaluated in the absence and presence of a nitric oxide synthase antagonist. Purinergic agonist and NANC relaxation responses were assessed in the presence and absence of P2X1 and P2Y1 antagonists. Protein expression of P2X1 and P2Y1 receptors was measured by western blot.

Main Outcome Measures

Proximal and distal IPA contraction and relaxation were measured during increasing agonist administration and EFS in the presence and absence of antagonists.

Results

Proximal and distal IPA concentration response curves to phenylephrine, acetylcholine, and DEA NONOate did no differ. Interestingly, distal IPA exhibited greater EFS-mediated contraction and NANC relaxation compared with proximal IPA. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition completely inhibited distal IPA NANC relaxation but did not affect proximal IPA relaxation. P2X1 or P2Y1 receptor antagonism during NANC relaxation increased distal IPA relaxation but decreased proximal IPA relaxation. Combined P2X1 and P2Y1 receptor antagonism had no effect on proximal IPA relaxation but significantly increased distal IPA NANC relaxation.

Clinical Translation

Understanding neurovascular regulation of IPA vascular tone through nitrergic and purinergic mechanisms could yield new therapeutic targets to improve IPA blood flow and treat vasculogenic erectile dysfunction.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is the first to illustrate the differences in mechanisms responsible for regulating vascular tone in the proximal and distal IPAs. All presented findings are currently limited to ex vivo vascular function.

Conclusion

The regulation of vascular tone differs regionally in the IPA. The distal IPA is controlled through neurotransmitter-mediated NO-dependent mechanisms and increased sensitivity to purinergic P2X1 and P2Y1 receptor inhibition.
Masturbation to Orgasm Stimulates the Release of the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Humans
Authors: Fuss Johannes , Bindila Laura , Wiedemann Klaus , Auer Matthias K. , Briken Peer , Biedermann Sarah V.
Published: October 2017

Background

Endocannabinoids are critical for rewarding behaviors such as eating, physical exercise, and social interaction. The role of endocannabinoids in mammalian sexual behavior has been suggested because of the influence of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists on rodent sexual activity. However, the involvement of endocannabinoids in human sexual behavior has not been studied.

Aim

To investigate plasma endocannabinoid levels before and after masturbation in healthy male and female volunteers.

Outcomes

Plasma levels of the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide, the endocannabinoid-like lipids oleoyl ethanolamide and palmitoyl ethanolamide, arachidonic acid, and cortisol before and after masturbation to orgasm.

Methods

In study 1, endocannabinoid and cortisol levels were measured before and after masturbation to orgasm. In study 2, masturbation to orgasm was compared with a control condition using a single-blinded, randomized, 2-session crossover design.

Results

In study 1, masturbation to orgasm significantly increased plasma levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG, whereas anandamide, oleoyl ethanolamide, palmitoyl ethanolamide, arachidonic acid, and cortisol levels were not altered. In study 2, only masturbation to orgasm, not the control condition, led to a significant increase in 2-AG levels. Interestingly, we also found a significant increase of oleoyl ethanolamide after masturbation to orgasm in study 2.

Clinical Translation

Endocannabinoids might play an important role in the sexual response cycle, leading to possible implications for the understanding and treatment of sexual dysfunctions.

Strengths and Limitations

We found an increase of 2-AG through masturbation to orgasm in 2 studies including a single-blinded randomized design. The exact role of endocannabinoid release as part of the sexual response cycle and the biological significance of the finding should be studied further. Cannabis and other drug use and the attainment of orgasm were self-reported in the present study.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that the endocannabinoid 2-AG is involved in the human sexual response cycle and we hypothesize that 2-AG release plays a role in the rewarding consequences of sexual arousal and orgasm.
Successful Treatment of Multifactorial Chronic Daily Headaches at an Interdisciplinary Chronic Pain Program: A Case Study
Authors: Mihalov Sarah A. , Bouffard Karina J. , Cara Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2017

Chronic daily headaches (CDHs) are common, disabling, and difficult to treat. We report a case of a patient with a complex medical history experiencing multifactorial CDH referred for and eventually enrolled in an interdisciplinary chronic pain program. Focusing on enhancing the patient's function while minimizing the use of medications and invasive procedures, this comprehensive rehabilitation intervention consists of diverse treatment approaches, including cognitive‐behavioral therapy, physical and occupational therapy, and medical interventions. Despite the patient's challenges with implementation of strategies learned in the program, positive results were seen, including decreased symptomatology, decreased opioid use, and attainment of employment. Although time‐intensive, interdisciplinary chronic pain programs may result in a greater likelihood for sustained functional improvements and prevention of disability for patients with CDH, even in the most complex.

Level of Evidence

IV
RETRACTED: Promoting the rule of law in Serbia. What is hindering the reforms in the justice sector?
Authors: Gomes Teresa Maria Resende Cierco
Published: October 2017

RETRACTION NOTICE

Retraction notice to: Terese Maria Resende Cierco Gomes, “Promoting the rule of law in Serbia. What is hindering the reforms in the justice sector?”

This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the journal’s editorial team. The author fabricates interview data in attributing quotes to respondents that previously appeared in published works by other authors and further misrepresents an interview with a single respondent as multiple interviews. The editorial team also determined that the article contains substantial unattributed material, including both verbatim and paraphrased passages.

One of the conditions for submission of a paper for publication is that authors declare that they have complied with the publisher’s policies concerning ethics in publishing, including a strict prohibition on the fraudulent use of data and plagiarism. As such this article represents a misuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

We have been informed in our decision-making by University of California Press's Statement on Publication Ethics and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as “Retracted”.
Risk Factors for Healthcare-Associated Infections in Adult Burn Patients
Authors: Strassle Paula D. , Williams Felicia N. , Weber David J. , Sickbert-Bennett Emily E. , Lachiewicz Anne M. , Napravnik Sonia , Jones Samuel W. , Cairns Bruce A. , van Duin David
Published: October 2017

OBJECTIVE

Burn patients are particularly vulnerable to infection, and an estimated half of all burn deaths are due to infections. This study explored risk factors for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in adult burn patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care burn center.

PATIENTS

Adults (≥18 years old) admitted with burn injury for at least 2 days between 2004 and 2013.

METHODS

HAIs were determined in real-time by infection preventionists using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the direct effect of each risk factor on time to HAI, with inverse probability of censor weights to address potentially informative censoring. Effect measure modification by burn size was also assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 4,426 patients met inclusion criteria, and 349 (7.9%) patients had at least 1 HAI within 60 days of admission. Compared to <5% total body surface area (TBSA), patients with 5%–10% TBSA were almost 3 times as likely to acquire an HAI (hazard ratio [HR], 2.92; 95% CI, 1.63–5.23); patients with 10%–20% TBSA were >6 times as likely to acquire an HAI (HR, 6.38; 95% CI, 3.64–11.17); and patients with >20% TBSA were >10 times as likely to acquire an HAI (HR, 10.33; 95% CI, 5.74–18.60). Patients with inhalational injury were 1.5 times as likely to acquire an HAI (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.17–2.22). The effect of inhalational injury (P=.09) appeared to be larger among patients with ≤20% TBSA.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger burns and inhalational injury were associated with increased incidence of HAIs. Future research should use these risk factors to identify potential interventions.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1441–1448
In situ U–Th–Pbtotal dating of polychronous monazite in the Koraput anorthosite pluton, Eastern Ghats Granulite Belt (India), and implications
Authors: SAIKIA D. , NASIPURI P. , BHATTACHARYA A.
Published: October 2017

U–Th–Pbtotal age determinations in monazite in a noritic anorthosite at the margin of the Koraput anorthosite pluton constrain the time of emplacement and sub-solidus chemical modifications in the Grenvillian-age anorthosite pluton in the Eastern Ghats Province (EGP), India. The monazites hosted within dynamically recrystallized orthopyroxene and plagioclase grains are large (50–500 μm in diameter) and complexly zoned. Based on the textural–chemical heterogeneities, these monazites are classified into three groups. Group-I monazites exhibit a low-ThO2 core mantled by a high-ThO2 rim. By contrast, the group-II monazites exhibit high-ThO2 cores laced by ThO2-poor mantles, and outermost rims with still lower ThO2 contents. Skeletal group-III monazites at polygonized grain/phase boundaries exhibit patchy and concentric zones with decreasing ThO2 towards the margin. The U–Th–Pbtotal chemical ages obtained using electron probe microanalyses exhibit four age clusters. The oldest age population (mean 939 ± 4.5 Ma) obtained in cores in group-I, II and III monazites with patchy zones corresponds with the emplacement of the Koraput anorthosite, and this age population is consistent with 980–930 Ma emplacement ages reported in other EGP anorthosite massifs. Younger monazites mantling the cores in group-II monazites and in group-III monazites with mean ages of 877 ± 5 Ma and 749 ± 18 Ma possibly reflect episodic monazite growth by fluid-aided dissolution–precipitation culminating with the disintegration of Rodinia at ~750 Ma. The youngest age population (mean 574 ± 19 Ma) in the outermost monazite rims and monazite veins represents renewed monazite growth during the Pan African assembly of the Grenvillian-age EGP domain with the proto-Indian cratons.
Different phonological mechanisms facilitate vocabulary learning at early and late stages of language acquisition: Evidence from Polish 9-year-olds learning English
Authors: MARECKA MARTA , SZEWCZYK JAKUB , JELEC ANNA , JANISZEWSKA DONATA , RATAJ KAROLINA , DZIUBALSKA-KOŁACZYK KATARZYNA
Published: October 2017

To acquire a new word, learners need to create its representation in phonological short-term memory (STM) and then encode it in their long-term memory. Two strategies can enable word representation in STM: universal segmentation and phonological mapping. Universal segmentation is language universal and thus should predict word learning in any language, while phonological mapping is language specific. This study investigates the mechanisms of vocabulary learning through a comparison of vocabulary learning task results in multiple languages. We tested 44 Polish third graders learning English on phonological STM, phonological awareness in Polish and in English, and on three tasks, which involved learning novel word forms in Polish (first language), in English (second language), and in a language that did not resemble any language known to participants (an unknown language). Participants’ English proficiency was controlled through a vocabulary task. The results suggest that word learning engages different mechanisms for familiar and unfamiliar languages. Phonological awareness in English predicted learning second language and unknown language words, and phonological STM predicted learning words of the unknown language. We propose that universal segmentation facilitates word learning only in an unfamiliar language, while in familiar languages speakers use phonological mapping in order to learn new words.
Coarctation of the aorta-stenting via Glidesheath Slender in a newborn with recoarctation early after a Norwood operation
Authors: Gendera Katarzyna , Cleuziou Julie , Tanase Daniel
Published: October 2017

In this article, we report on a newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in whom recoarctation of the aorta was treated with a bare metal stent (Cook Formula 414 Stent) in the early postoperative period after a Norwood procedure. To reduce the risk for scarring and occluding the femoral artery the stent was implanted via 5F Glidesheath Slender sheath.
Parental anxiety among children undergoing cardiac catheterisation
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Turner Daniel R. , Forbes Thomas J. , Aggarwal Sanjeev
Published: October 2017

Background

Parents may experience anxiety and stress when their children undergo cardiac catheterisation. The goal of this study was to assess the level of anxiety in parents of children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and to identify factors that were associated with level of anxiety.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey of parents of children who underwent cardiac catheterisation. Anxiety levels were measured using a validated self-report questionnaire – State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, which generates state anxiety scores on the current state of anxiety and trait anxiety scores on the stable aspects of anxiety proneness. One sample t-test was used to compare the data with normative data. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the factors associated with the state score.

Results

A total of 113 parents completed the survey. The mean age of parents was 34.0±7.7 years and the mean age of children undergoing catheterisation was 6.7±5.7 years. Compared with normative data, mean state score was significantly higher in our cohort (p<0.05) despite no difference in the trait score. Final multivariate model showed that the state score was significantly associated with child age group (<1 year [coefficient β 7.2] and 10–18 years [6.3], compared to 1 to <10 years of age [reference]) and history of previous catheterisation (−5.2) (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Concurrent state anxiety level was high among parents of children undergoing cardiac catheterisation, whereas trait anxiety level was not. Higher anxiety was experienced by parents of infants and adolescents without a history of previous catheterisation.
Resilience at Information Processing Level in Older Adults: Maintained Attention for Happy Faces when Positive Mood is Low
Authors: Demeyer Ineke , Urbain Inke , De Raedt Rudi
Published: October 2017

Even though ageing is associated with declining cognitive capabilities, research has demonstrated an age-related improvement in affective well-being. This improvement can be related to increased resilience, developing as changes in emotion regulation at information-processing level. During negative mood, emotion regulation becomes a priority as demonstrated by an increased preference for positive over negative information in older adults. However, the effect of a positive mood on older adult’s attentional preferences has not been established yet. To investigate this, 37 older adults were randomly assigned to a relaxation or a control condition (music). Mood state was assessed before and after the manipulation. Attentional bias was measured by an exogenous cueing task, in which the location of the target was correctly or incorrectly cued by happy, sad or neutral facial pictures. Both groups showed a decrease in negative mood (p < .001, 95% CI [2.73, 5.97], d = .82) without changes in positive mood. The relaxation group showed a significantly bigger increase in feeling relaxed (p = .017, η2p = .15). No significant group differences were found for attentional bias. However, over the whole group, less positive mood after the manipulation was associated with more maintained attention for positive information (r = –.49, p < .01). These results indicate that older adults deploy emotion regulation strategies in attention during low positive mood. Flexible attentional processing of emotional information might serve as a resilience factor to maintain well-being during later stages of life.
Individual Preferences for FDI in Developing Countries: Experimental Evidence from China
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Zeng Ka
Published: October 2017

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into developing countries such as India and China is often met with domestic backlash by the citizens of the host country, and backlash in the form of protests and other disruptive behavior has increased the salience of public opinion in FDI policy. As one of the first survey experiments assessing Chinese citizens’ attitudes toward FDI, this paper adopts a novel conjoint design to evaluate the impact, in the present project, of individual respondent characteristics and specific FDI features on respondents’ preferences. Importantly, we find that low-skilled respondents are not necessarily more likely to support labor-intensive FDI, a result that challenges the conventional wisdom that individuals in developing countries abundantly endowed with labor should be more likely to support low-skilled FDI. Instead, citizens are more concerned about FDI projects’ country of origin and impact on the local job market when forming their preferences.
AghaKouchak Receives 2017 Hydrologic Sciences Early Career Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2017

Amir AghaKouchak will receive the 2017 Hydrologic Sciences Early Career Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award “acknowledges early career prominence and promise of continued contributions to hydrologic science.”
Seafloor Activity Sheds Light on Plate Tectonics
Authors: Witman Sarah
Published: October 2017

Scientists in Japan study stress released by oceanic earthquakes in newborn sections of seafloor.
Pollution over Southeast Asia May Threaten Ozone Health
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: October 2017

Emissions of short-lived chlorine-based chemicals that deplete ozone are increasing worldwide. But over some regions of Asia, these chemicals may be on a fast track to the ozone layer.
Democratic Leader Blasts Trump’s Pick to Head NASA
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2017

With Rep. Jim Bridenstine’s nomination hearing just days away, Sen. Patty Murray charges that his “denial of climate science” and opposition to equal rights “should disqualify him from consideration.”
Immune checkpoint inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ross Kirsty , Jones Rob J.
Published: October 2017

The immune system has long been known to play a critical role in the body’s defence against cancer, and there have been multiple attempts to harness it for therapeutic gain. Renal cancer was, historically, one of a small number of tumour types where immune manipulation had been shown to be effective. The current generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors are rapidly entering into routine clinical practice in the management of a number of tumour types, including renal cancer, where one drug, nivolumab, an anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb), is licensed for patients who have progressed on prior systemic treatment. Ongoing trials aim to maximize the benefits that can be gained from this new class of drug by exploring optimal timing in the natural course of the disease as well as combinations with other checkpoint inhibitors and drugs from different classes.
Study on the dc flashover performance of standard suspension insulator with ring‐shaped non‐uniform pollution
Authors: Zhang Zhijin , Zhao Jiayao , Zhang Dongdong , Jiang Xingliang , Li Yongfu , Wu Bin , Wu Jian
Published: October 2017

Under dc electric field, pollution may be more easily deposited around insulator string caps and pins, distributing non‐uniformly on its inner and outer parts, and presenting ring‐like shape. dc Flashover tests of 7‐unit XHP‐160 insulator string were carried out. During the tests, the ring‐shaped non‐uniform pollution was simulated using solid‐layer method by changing the ratio I/O of inner‐to‐outer surface salt deposit density (SDD) and radius (r) of the heavily polluted area (the inner part). On the basis of the test data, the effects of ring‐shaped non‐uniform pollution on dc flashover characteristics were studied. Then, the relative variation trend of flashover voltage, surface pollution layer resistance, and leakage current were discussed. Research results show that the ratio I/O affects the dc flashover performance of the insulator string. The flashover voltage increases with the increase of I/O. With the increase of the radius r, the flashover voltage will increase at first and then decrease. Under ring‐shaped non‐uniform pollution, surface pollution layer resistance of insulator will increase, which results in lower leakage current and higher flashover voltage. The results will be of certain value in providing references for outdoor insulation selection.
Synchrophasor‐enabled power grid restoration with DFIG‐based wind farms and VSC‐HVDC transmission system
Authors: Farsani Pooyan Moradi , Vennelaganti Sai Gopal , Chaudhuri Nilanjan Ray
Published: October 2017

An innovative system restoration strategy using doubly‐fed induction generator‐based wind farms is proposed. The strategy involves retention of charge in the DC bus following a blackout and ‘Hot‐Swapping’ between direct flux control mode and conventional grid‐connected mode, which does not require resetting of any controller dynamic states and avoids the need for energy storage. An autonomous synchronisation mechanism enabled by remote synchrophasors is also proposed. A blacked‐out system, which includes a wind farm and a voltage source converter (VSC)‐HVDC connected to a network unaffected by blackout, is used as the study system. Transmission line charging and load pickup is performed using the wind farm in flux control mode while the VSC‐HVDC system conducts the same process for another portion of the system. The proposed ‘Hot‐Swapping’ and autonomous synchronisation approach is applied to connect the two parts of the grid and switch the wind farm to grid connected mode of operation. The results are demonstrated in a hybrid co‐simulation platform where the aforementioned system is modelled in EMT‐type software and the rest of the network is represented in a phasor framework.