bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value and Usage of a Workaround Artifact: A Cognitive Work Analysis of “Brains” Use by Hospital Nurses
Authors: Mount-Campbell Austin F. , Evans Kevin D. , Woods David D. , Chipps Esther M. , Moffatt-Bruce Susan D. , Patterson Emily S.
Published: February 2019

We identify the value and usage of a cognitive artifact used by hospital nurses. By analyzing the value and usage of workaround artifacts, unmet needs using intended systems can be uncovered. A descriptive study employed direct observations of registered nurses at two hospitals using a paper workaround (“brains”) and the Electronic Health Record. Field notes and photographs were taken; the format, size, layout, permanence, and content of the artifact were analyzed. Thirty-nine observations, spanning 156 hr, were conducted with 20 nurses across four clinical units. A total of 322 photographs of paper-based artifacts for 161 patients were collected. All participants used and updated “brains” during report, and throughout the shift, most were self-generated. These artifacts contained patient identifiers in a header with room number, last name, age, code status, and physician; clinical data were recorded in the body with historical chronic issues, detailed assessment information, and planned activities for the shift. Updates continuously made during the shift highlighted important information, updated values, and tracked the completion of activities. The primary functional uses of “brains” are to support nurses’ needs for clinical immediacy through personally generated snapshot overviews for clinical summaries and updates to the status of planned activities.
Nurses’ Perceptions of Job Embeddedness in Public Hospitals
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Avci Turgay
Published: February 2019

Job embeddedness is a collection of forces and a motivational variable that enables health care managers to retain employees. In light of this, our empirical study assesses job embeddedness as a mediator linking coworker and supervisor support to nonattendance intentions and extra-role performance. Data gathered from staff nurses in three waves (time lag: 3 weeks) and their head nurses in public hospitals in Northern Cyprus were utilized to assess the abovementioned linkages via structural equation modeling. Staff nurses who obtain sufficient support from their head nurses are highly embedded in their jobs. Such nurses in turn exhibit lower propensity to be late for work (PLW). Simply put, job embeddedness completely mediates the influence of supervisor support on PLW. The rest of the linkages are not supported. Implications of the findings as well as future research directions are presented in this article.
Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Native Pediatric Posterior Cruciate and Collateral Ligaments
Authors: Schmidt Elaine C. , Chin Matthew , Aoyama Julien T. , Ganley Theodore J. , Shea Kevin G. , Hast Michael W.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears have received the most attention, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is thought to be the most commonly injured knee ligament overall. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and posterior collateral ligament (PCL) are less frequently compromised but can be involved in severe multiligament injuries. The paucity of information on the native properties of these ligaments in the pediatric population hinders the overall optimization of treatment for these injuries.

Purpose:

To characterize the mechanical and microstructural properties of pediatric MCLs, LCLs, and PCLs using a rare cadaveric cohort (mean age, 9.2 years).

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

MCLs, LCLs, and PCLs were harvested from 5 fresh-frozen pediatric knee specimens (3 male, 2 female) and were subjected to a tensile loading protocol. A subset of contralateral tissues from a single donor was analyzed using bright-field, polarized light, and transmission electron microscopy to measure collagen fiber morphology.

Results:

The pediatric MCL exhibited values for ultimate stress (11.7 ± 6.7 MPa), ultimate strain (18.2% ± 6.8%), and the Young modulus (93.7 ± 56.5 MPa) that were similar to values for the LCL (11.4 ± 11.5 MPa, 27.7% ± 12.9%, and 64.4 ± 76.6 MPa, respectively). The PCL demonstrated decreased ultimate stress (4.2 ± 1.8 MPa), increased ultimate strain (28.8% ± 11.9%), and a decreased Young modulus (19.8 ± 10.4 MPa) when compared with the MCL and LCL. All 3 ligaments had similar mean crimp wavelengths (MCL, 32.8 ± 3.6 µm; LCL, 27.2 ± 3.5 µm; PCL, 25.8 ± 3.5 µm) and collagen fibril diameters (MCL, 88.0 ± 26.0 nm; LCL, 93.3 ± 34.6 nm; PCL, 90.9 ± 34.0 nm); however, the fibril distribution profiles exhibited different modalities.

Conclusion:

The pediatric MCL and LCL possessed similar mechanical properties, while the pediatric PCL was weaker but capable of withstanding higher amounts of strain. All 3 of these pediatric structures were weaker than what has been reported in studies with adult cohorts.

Clinical Relevance:

Results from this study can be considered preliminary mechanical and microstructural data for healthy pediatric collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments that can be used to guide further laboratory and clinical research.
Bribery in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Mediating Effects of Institutional Development and Trust
Authors: Joslyn Jacqueline
Published: February 2019

The issue of bribery raises questions about the implications of institutional development and trust in the raw material industry. This paper uses theories of institutionalism and trust to explore path dependence arguments seeking to explain the resource curse puzzle. Institutional development and trust are examined as potential mediators linking mineral extraction/processing to bribery in sub-Saharan African countries. The model suggests potential factors linking raw material industries to institutional development and institutional development to the degradation of interpersonal and generalized trust. The proposed model is tested with data on a sample of sub-Saharan African countries using multilevel logistic regression with promising results.
Endoscopic Inside‐Out Mastoidectomy with the Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator
Authors: Mehta Rahul , Mankekar Gauri , Mayland Erica , Melder Katie , Arriaga Moises A.
Published: January 2019

We report our experience using the ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) for transcanal endoscopic “inside out” mastoidectomy. The UBA has irrigation, suction, and nonrotatory ultrasonic bone‐removing technology in 1 handpiece, which makes it appropriate for bone removal during this procedure. The results of our study show that this technique is safe and effective for patients with cholesteatoma in a small sclerotic mastoid. We also discuss the nuances associated with using the UBA during endoscopic ear surgery.
Extrudate Distortion in the Capillary/Slit Extrusion of a Molten Polypropylene
Authors: Kazatchkov Igor B. , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G. , Stewart Charles W.
Published: February 2019

Experiments were carried out in both sliding plate and capillary rheometers with a polypropylene resin to determine the conditions for the onset of slip, surface and gross melt fracture. It was found that there was no distinction between surface and gross melt fracture, which is commonly observed in the case of polyethylenes. Furthermore, the flow curves determined by using capillaries having various diameters are diameter independent implying the absence of slip. However, performing experiments with slit dies having rough surfaces suggested the presence of wall slip. Further analysis has shown that the effect of viscous heating masks the detection of slip from the diameter-dependency of the flow curves. The effect of presence of a thin layer of fluoro-polymer (Teflon PA, Du Pont) on the critical shear stress for the onset of wall slip and melt fracture as well as on the relationship between the wall slip and the shear stress were also examined. It was found that the presence of such layers increases the slip velocity while it decreases the critical shear stress for the onset of slip.
K–Ar age determinations on the fine fractions of clay mineral ‘Crystallinity Index Standards’ from the Palaeozoic mudrocks of southwest England
Authors: Schomberg Anna C. , Wemmer Klaus , Warr Laurence N. , Grathoff Georg H.
Published: February 2019

Clay mineral ‘Crystallinity Index Standards’ (CIS) composed of Palaeozoic mudrocks from southwest England were investigated systematically in five sub-fractions per sample for the first time. X-ray diffraction was used to determine mineral assemblages, calibrated 001 illite full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) values and illite polytype compositions, in addition to K–Ar isotopic analyses of all fine fractions. The FWHM results of the <2 µm fraction are consistent with previous studies and reflect the range of diagenetic to epizonal grades covered by the sample set SW1 to SW7 (~0.61–0.26°2θ). Diagenetic and lower anchizone samples also show significant broadening of 001 illite reflections in the finer fractions and contain mixtures of authigenic 1M+ 1Mdillite and detrital 2M1white mica polytypes suitable for illite age analysis. The estimated end-member ages of the Bude (SW1-1992) and younger Crackington (SW3-2000) mudstones yield detrital ages of Late Cambrian to Middle Ordovician (493–457 Ma) and a broad range of 1M+ 1Mdillite ages between Middle Permian and Early Jurassic (271–190 Ma). The detrital age of the stratigraphically older Crackington Formation mudrock (SW2-1992) is Late Devonian (384–364 Ma) with 1M+ 1Mdillite ages between Late Triassic and Early Jurassic (219–176 Ma). The origin of Mesozoic 1M+ 1Mdillite ages may represent neocrystallized illite associated with Mesozoic hydrothermal events or similar events that thermally reset older authigenic illite with partial loss of radiogenic argon and no renewed crystal growth. In contrast, upper anchizonal and epizonal Devonian slates (SW3-2012, SW4-1992, SW6-1992 and SW7-2012) contain only the 2M1polytype, with K–Ar ages younger than the stratigraphic age. The three finest fractions of SW4-1992 yield consistent Late Carboniferous ages (331–304 ± 7 Ma) that are considered to date the neocrystallized 2M1mica. Most fractions of epizonal slate (SW6-1992, SW7-2012) yield Early Permian ages (293.6–273 Ma) corresponding to published cooling ages of the Tintagel High-Strain Zone and the intrusion of the Bodmin granite (291.4 ± 0.8 Ma). These first K–Ar age constraints for the fine fractions of the CIS should provide useful reference values for testing analytical procedures of illite age analysis.
Indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke exposure: impact on nasopharyngeal bacterial carriage in mothers and infants in an African birth cohort study
Authors: Vanker Aneesa , Nduru Polite M. , Barnett Whitney , Dube Felix S. , Sly Peter D. , Gie Robert P. , Nicol Mark P. , Zar Heather J.
Published: February 2019

Indoor air pollution (IAP) or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure may influence nasopharyngeal carriage of bacterial species and development of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The aim of this study was to longitudinally investigate the impact of antenatal or postnatal IAP/ETS exposure on nasopharyngeal bacteria in mothers and infants.

A South African cohort study followed mother–infant pairs from birth through the first year. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken at birth, 6 and 12 months for bacterial culture. Multivariable and multivariate Poisson regression investigated associations between nasopharyngeal bacterial species and IAP/ETS. IAP exposures (particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds) were measured at home visits. ETS exposure was measured through maternal and infant urine cotinine. Infants received the 13-valent pneumococcal andHaemophilus influenzaeB conjugate vaccines.

There were 881 maternal and 2605 infant nasopharyngeal swabs. Antenatal ETS exposure was associated withStreptococcus pneumoniaecarriage in mothers (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.73 (95% CI 1.03–2.92)) while postnatal ETS exposure was associated with carriage in infants (aRR 1.14 (95% CI 1.00–1.30)) Postnatal particulate matter exposure was associated with the nasopharyngeal carriage ofH. influenzae(aRR 1.68 (95% CI 1.10– 2.57)) orMoraxella catarrhalis(aRR 1.42 (95% CI 1.03–1.97)) in infants.

Early-life environmental exposures are associated with an increased prevalence of specific nasopharyngeal bacteria during infancy, which may predispose to LRTI.
Valved holding chamber drug delivery is dependent on breathing pattern and device design
Authors: Csonka Péter , Lehtimäki Lauri
Published: February 2019

Small children with airway obstruction breathe with very low tidal volumes (VT) and high respiratory rates (RRs). These extreme respiratory patterns affect drug delivery unpredictably through valved holding chambers (VHCs).

We compared in anin vitrostudy the effectiveness of two VHCs, one small (140 mL, Optichamber Diamond) and one large (350 mL, Babyhaler) without facemasks, to deliver salbutamol to filters positioned between the VHC mouthpieces and a breathing simulator. Different tidal volumes (from 30 mL to 200 mL) and RRs (25·min-1and 50·min-1) were applied through a breathing simulator.

The amount of salbutamol delivered increased with increasingVTin both VHCs for both RRs (ρ>0.87 and p<0.001 for both devices at both rates). The effect of RR was not as evident, but drug delivery tended to be higher at the higher rate. Drug delivery was significantly higher through the Optichamber Diamond as compared with the Babyhaler at every combination of RR andVTup to a 12-fold difference.

We found marked differences in salbutamol delivery between the Babyhaler and Optichamber Diamond VHCs. The delivered dose of salbutamol increased with increasingVTand RR with both VHCs but with differences related to valve dead spaces. Instead of considering all VHCs equal in clinical paediatric practice, each device should be testedin vitrowith respiratory patterns relevant to small children with respiratory difficulties.
Cancer gene mutations in congenital pulmonary airway malformation patients
Authors: Hsu Jacob Shujui , Zhang Ruizhong , Yeung Fanny , Tang Clara S.M. , Wong John K.L. , So Man-Ting , Xia Huimin , Sham Pak , Tam Paul K. , Li Miaoxin , Wong Kenneth K.Y. , Garcia-Barcelo Maria-Mercè
Published: February 2019

Background

Newborns affected with congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) may present with severe respiratory distress or remain asymptomatic. While surgical resection is the definitive treatment for symptomatic CPAMs, prophylactic elective surgery may be recommended for asymptomatic CPAMs owing to the risk of tumour development. However, the implementation of prophylactic surgery is quite controversial on the grounds that more evidence linking CPAMs and cancer is needed. The large gap in knowledge of CPAM pathogenesis results in uncertainties and controversies in disease management. As developmental genes control postnatal cell growth and contribute to cancer development, we hypothesised that CPAMs may be underlain by germline mutations in genes governing airways development.

Methods

Sequencing of the exome of 19 patients and their unaffected parents.

Results

A more than expected number of mutations in cancer genes (false discovery rate q-value <5.01×10−5) was observed. The co-occurrence, in the same patient, of damaging variants in genes encoding interacting proteins is intriguing, the most striking being thyroglobulin (TG) and its receptor, megalin (LRP2). Both genes are highly relevant in lung development and cancer.

Conclusions

The overall excess of mutations in cancer genes may account for the reported association of CPAMs with carcinomas and provide some evidence to argue for prophylactic surgery by some surgeons.
miRNAs 144-3p, 34a-5p, and 206 are a useful signature for distinguishing uterine leiomyosarcoma from other smooth muscle tumors
Authors: Schiavon Beatriz Nunes , Carvalho Katia Candido , Coutinho-Camillo Cláudia Malheiros , Baiocchi Glauco , Valieris Renan , Drummond Rodrigo , da Silva Israel Tojal , De Brot Louise , Soares Fernando Augusto , da Cunha Isabela Werneck
Published: February 2019

Background

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare uterine neoplasm that has a high mortality rate and no specific treatment. The origin of LMS remains unknown; although, it is hypothesized that LMS arises from the malignant transformation of a degenerated uterine leiomyoma (LM). LMs are the most common benign tumors diagnosed and rare variants of LM (unconventional LM) morphologically resemble LMS, thereby making an early and precise diagnosis of LMS difficult. Various molecular features may influence the malignancy risk of LMS tumors, including microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the role of miRNAs in uterine mesenchymal tumors remains poorly understood. Here, our aim was to assess the miRNA expression profiles of LMS, LM, and LM variants (ULM) to identify a specific signature that may facilitate differentiation among these tumor types. Possible associations between these profiles and patients’ clinical and pathological features were also analyzed.

Methods

Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of uterine LMS (n = 37), LM (n = 3), ULM (n = 8), and myometrium (MM) (n = 2) to perform real-time PCR analyses and detect expression levels of a panel of 84 miRNA sequences related to cancer.

Results

Between the LMS and LM samples, 16 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed, withmiR-372andmiR-34a-5pexhibiting the highest and lowest levels of expression, respectively. When LMS and ULM were compared, 5 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, withmiR-34a-5pdownregulated andmiR-144-3pupregulated. Between ULM and LM, all of the differentially expressed miRNAs were upregulated, andmiR122-5pexhibited 10-fold higher expression. In addition, significant correlations were found between various miRNAs and tumor relapse (miR-148a-3p), metastasis (miR-27b-3p), and patient death (miR-124-3pandmiR-183-5p). Downregulation ofmiR135b-5pwas associated with disease-free survival.

Conclusion

Expression profiling of miRNAs144-3p,34a-5p,and206may be useful in characterizing uterine LMS and distinguishing it from benign tumors. Furthermore, deregulation ofmiRNAs 148a-3p,27b-3p,124-3p, 183-5p, and135b-5pappear to indicate a poor prognosis for LMS patients.
A Review of Cell-Based Computational Modeling in Cancer Biology
Authors: Metzcar John , Wang Yafei , Heiland Randy , Macklin Paul
Published: February 2019

Cancer biology involves complex, dynamic interactions between cancer cells and their tissue microenvironments. Single-cell effects are critical drivers of clinical progression. Chemical and mechanical communication between tumor and stromal cells can co-opt normal physiologic processes to promote growth and invasion. Cancer cell heterogeneity increases cancer’s ability to test strategies to adapt to microenvironmental stresses. Hypoxia and treatment can select for cancer stem cells and drive invasion and resistance. Cell-based computational models (also known as discrete models, agent-based models, or individual-based models) simulate individual cells as they interact in virtual tissues, which allows us to explore how single-cell behaviors lead to the dynamics we observe and work to control in cancer systems. In this review, we introduce the broad range of techniques available for cell-based computational modeling. The approaches can range from highly detailed models of just a few cells and their morphologies to millions of simpler cells in three-dimensional tissues. Modeling individual cells allows us to directly translate biologic observations into simulation rules. In many cases, individual cell agents include molecular-scale models. Most models also simulate the transport of oxygen, drugs, and growth factors, which allow us to link cancer development to microenvironmental conditions. We illustrate these methods with examples drawn from cancer hypoxia, angiogenesis, invasion, stem cells, and immunosurveillance. An ecosystem of interoperable cell-based simulation tools is emerging at a time when cloud computing resources make software easier to access and supercomputing resources make large-scale simulation studies possible. As the field develops, we anticipate that high-throughput simulation studies will allow us to rapidly explore the space of biologic possibilities, prescreen new therapeutic strategies, and even re-engineer tumor and stromal cells to bring cancer systems under control.
Measures of Treatment Workload for Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheng Alex C. , Levy Mia A.
Published: February 2019

PURPOSE

Patients with breast cancer spend a large amount of time and effort receiving treatment. When the number of health care tasks exceeds a patient’s ability to manage that workload, they could become overburdened, leading to decreased plan adherence. We used electronic health record data to retrospectively assess dimensions of treatment workload related to outpatient encounters, commuting, and admissions.

METHODS

Using tumor registry and scheduling data, we evaluated the sensitivity of treatment workload measures to detect expected differences in breast cancer treatment burden by stage. We evaluated the impact of the on-body pegfilgrastim injector on the treatment workload of patients undergoing a specific chemotherapy protocol.

RESULTS

As hypothesized, patients with higher stage cancer experienced higher treatment workload. Over the first 18 months after diagnosis, patients with stage III disease spent a median of 81 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 39 to 113 hours) in outpatient clinics, commuted 61 hours (IQR, 32 to 86 hours), and spent $1,432 (IQR, $690 to $2,552) in commuting costs. In contrast, patients with stage I disease spent a median of 29 hours (IQR, 18 to 46 hours in clinic), commuted for 34 hours (IQR, 19 to 55 hours), and spent $834 (IQR, $389 to $1,649) in commuting costs. In addition, we substantiated claims that the pegfilgrastim on-body injector was effective in reducing some dimensions of workload such as unique appointment days.

CONCLUSION

Treatment workload measures capture an important dimension in the experience of patients with cancer. Patients and health care organizations can use workload measures to plan and allocate resources, leading to higher quality and better coordinated care.
Avoiding topsy-turvy: how Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna) fly through upward gusts
Authors: Badger Marc A. , Wang Hao , Dudley Robert
Published: February 2019

Flying organisms frequently confront the challenge of maintaining stability when moving within highly dynamic airflows near the Earth's surface. Either aerodynamic or inertial forces generated by appendages and other structures, such as the tail, may be used to offset aerial perturbations, but these responses have not been well characterized. To better understand how hummingbirds modify wing and tail motions in response to individual gusts, we filmed Anna's hummingbirds as they negotiated an upward jet of fast-moving air. Birds exhibited large variation in wing elevation, tail pitch and tail fan angles among transits as they repeatedly negotiated the same gust, and often exhibited a dramatic decrease in body angle (29±6 deg) post-transit. After extracting three-dimensional kinematic features, we identified a spectrum of control strategies for gust transit, with one extreme involving continuous flapping, no tail fanning and little disruption to body posture (23±3 deg downward pitch), and the other extreme characterized by dorsal wing pausing, tail fanning and greater downward body pitch (38±4 deg). The use of a deflectable tail on a glider model transiting the same gust resulted in enhanced stability and can easily be implemented in the design of aerial robots.
How moles destroy your lawn: the forelimb kinematics of Eastern moles in loose and compact substrates
Authors: Lin Yi-Fen , Konow Nicolai , Dumont Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2019

The interplay between morphological specialization and kinematic flexibility is important for organisms that move between habitats within different substrates. Burrowing is energetically expensive and requires substantial interaction with soil to dislodge and transport it. True moles (Talpidae) have extraordinary forelimb morphologies and a unique ability to dig in loose as well as compact soils, yet we know little of how moles coordinate their forelimb joint kinematics when digging in soils of different compactness. Using marker-based X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM), we test the hypothesis that moles burrow using different forelimb kinematics in loose and compact substrates. We predict that moles raise mounds of loose soil by performing powerful compacting strokes mainly with long-axis rotation of humerus (i.e., pronation/supination), but shear compact soil down by performing scratching strokes involving amplified elbow extension, similar to most scratching diggers. We also predict that in both types of substrates moles displace soil rearward like other mammalian diggers. Our results support our hypothesis but not the predictions. Eastern moles (Scalopus aquaticus) move substrates upward using compacting strokes in loose substrates and outward from the body midline using scratching strokes in compact substrates; unlike the digging strokes of most mammalian forelimb diggers, the power-stroke of moles itself does not displace substrates directly rearward. Both compacting and scratching strokes involve similar ranges of humeral pronation and retraction at the scapulohumeral (shoulder) joint, yet the movements at the elbow and carpal joints differ. Our results demonstrate that the combination of stereotypic movements of the shoulder joint, where the largest digging muscles are located, and flexibility in elbow and carpal joints makes moles extremely effective diggers in both loose and compact substrates.
Adaptive signatures in thermal performance of the temperate coral Astrangia poculata
Authors: Aichelman Hannah E. , Zimmerman Richard C. , Barshis Daniel J.
Published: February 2019

Variation in environmental characteristics and divergent selection pressures can drive adaptive differentiation across a species' range. Astrangia poculata is a temperate scleractinian coral that provides unique opportunities to understand the roles of phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary adaptation in coral physiological tolerance limits. This species inhabits hard-bottom ecosystems from the northwestern Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico and withstands an annual temperature range of up to 20°C. Additionally, A. poculata is facultatively symbiotic and co-occurs in both symbiotic (‘brown’) and aposymbiotic (‘white’) states. Here, brown and white A. poculata were collected from Virginia (VA) and Rhode Island (RI), USA, and exposed to heat (18–32°C) and cold (18–6°C) stress, during which respiration of the coral host along with photosynthesis and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of Breviolum psygmophilum photosymbionts were measured. Thermal performance curves (TPCs) of respiration revealed a pattern of countergradient variation with RI corals exhibiting higher respiration rates overall, and specifically at 6, 15, 18, 22 and 26°C. Additionally, thermal optimum (Topt) analyses show a 3.8°C (brown) and 6.9°C (white) higher Topt in the VA population, corresponding to the warmer in situ thermal environment in VA. In contrast to respiration, no origin effect was detected in photosynthesis rates or Fv/Fm, suggesting a possible host-only signature of adaptation. This study is the first to consider A. poculata’s response to both heat and cold stress across symbiotic states and geography, and provides insight into the potential evolutionary mechanisms behind the success of this species along the East Coast of the USA.
Current concepts and recent advances in understanding and managing lumbar spine stenosis
Authors: Bagley Carlos , MacAllister Matthew , Dosselman Luke , Moreno Jessica , Aoun Salah G , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y
Published: January 2019

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a degenerative process that is extremely frequent in today’s aging population. It can result in impingement on the nerves of the cauda equina or on the thecal sac itself, and lead to debilitating symptoms such as severe leg pain, or restriction in the perimeter of ambulation, both resulting in dependency in daily activities. The impact of the disease is global and includes financial repercussions because of its involvement in the active work force group. Risk factors for the disease include some comorbidities such as obesity or smoking, daily habits such as an active lifestyle, but also genetic factors that are not completely elucidated yet. The diagnosis of lumbar stenosis can be difficult, and involves a combination of radiological and clinical findings. Treatment ranges from conservative measures with physical therapy and core strengthening, to steroid injections in the facet joints or epidural space, to a more radical solution with surgical decompression. The evidence available in the literature regarding the causes, diagnosis and treatment of lumbar spine stenosis can be confusing, as no level I recommendations can be provided yet based on current data. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive and updated summary to the reader addressing the multiple aspects of this disease.
Vasopressin–aquaporin-2 pathway: recent advances in understanding water balance disorders
Authors: Ranieri Marianna , Di Mise Annarita , Tamma Grazia , Valenti Giovanna
Published: February 2019

The alteration of water balance and related disorders has emerged as being strictly linked to the state of activation of the vasopressin–aquaporin-2 (vasopressin–AQP2) pathway. The lack of responsiveness of the kidney to the vasopressin action impairs its ability to concentrate the urine, resulting in polyuria, polydipsia, and risk of severe dehydration for patients. Conversely, non-osmotic release of vasopressin is associated with an increase in water permeability in the renal collecting duct, producing water retention and increasing the circulatory blood volume. This review highlights some of the new insights and recent advances in therapeutic intervention targeting the dysfunctions in the vasopressin–AQP2 pathway causing diseases characterized by water balance disorders such as congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The recent clinical data suggest that targeting the vasopressin–AQP2 axis can provide therapeutic benefits in patients with water balance disorders.
Effects of exercise on heart rate variability by time-domain, frequency-domain and non-linear analyses in equine athletes
Authors: Li Ka Hou Christien , Lai Rachel Wing Chuen , Du Yimei , Ly Vivian , Li David Chun Yin , Lam Michael Huen Sum , Roever Leonardo , Fitzgerald-Smith Sophia , Li Guangping , Liu Tong , Tse Gary , Dong Mei ,   International Health Informatics Study (IHIS) Network
Published: February 2019

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is an intrinsic property that reflects autonomic balance and has been shown to be predictive of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. It can be altered by physiological states such as exercise or pathological conditions. However, there are only a handful of studies on HRV in horses. The aim of this study is to compare HRV parameters before and during exercise in horses.

Methods: Time-domain, frequency-domain and non-linear analyses were applied to quantify time series data on RR intervals before and during exercise in horses (n=7).

Results: Exercise increased heart rate from 44±8 to 113±17 bpm (ANOVA, P<0.05) and decreased standard deviation (SD) from 7±2 to 4±2 bpm, coefficient of variation (CoV) from 16±4% to 3±2% and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) from 89.4±91.5 to 6.5±3.7 ms. Contrastingly, no difference in low-frequency (0.10±0.03 vs. 0.09±0.03 Hz) and high-frequency (0.19±0.03 vs. 0.18±0.03 Hz) peaks, nor in their percentage powers (2±1 vs. 4±5%; 59±9 vs. 64±20%; 39±10 vs. 32±19%) were observed but very low-frequency, low-frequency, and high-frequency powers (ms2) were reduced from 29±17 to 2±5, 1138±372 to 22±22 and 860±564 to 9±6, respectively, as was total power (in logarithms) (7.52±0.52 to 3.25±0.73). Poincaré plots of RRn+1 against RRn revealed similar ellipsoid shapes before and after exercise. The SD along the line-of-identity (SD2) and SD perpendicular to the line-of-identity (SD1) were decreased by exercise (62±17 vs. 9±5 and 63±65 vs. 5±3), corresponding to increased SD2/SD1 ratio from 1.33±0.45 to 2.19±0.72. No change in approximate and sample entropy was detected (0.97±0.23 vs. 0.82±0.22 and 1.14±0.43 vs. 1.37±0.49). Detrended fluctuation analysis revealed unaltered short-term fluctuation slopes (0.76±0.27 vs. 1.18±0.55) but increased long-term fluctuation slopes (0.16±0.11 vs. 0.50±0.16) after exercise.

Conclusion: Exercise leads to a decrease in HRV but did not affect signal entropy in horses.
Differentiation of language functions during language acquisition based on Roman Jakobson’s communication model
Authors: Linask Lauri
Published: January 2019

The paper uses Roman Jakobson’s conceptual framework to study the development of communication of children. It sets out to explain how cardinal functions of verbal messages – referential, emotive, conative, phatic, metalingual and poetic – understood in terms of Jakobson’s communication model – progressively differentiate during children’s language acquisition. The differentiation of these functions is apparent in changes in children’s use of language, as it corresponds to the gradual formation and adoption of various linguistic structures in the development of speech. Children’s acquisition of the use of grammatical subject and predicate, corresponding to the appearance of specifically metalingual speech, among other linguistic structures, is related to children’s adaptation to the linguistic environment. The article relates differentiation of metalingual and poetic functions to the development of children’s thinking using the example of crib talk.
The free trade area of the EAEU-Vietnam: preliminary analysis of effects of trade integration
Authors: Джагитян Эдуард , Dzhagityan Eduard , Перская Виктория , Pyerskaya Viktoriya , Ревенко Николай , Revenko Nikolay , Рыльская Марина , Ryl'skaya Marina , Соколова Елена , Sokolova Elena , Ткаченко Александр , Tkachyenko Alyeksandr
Published: February 2019

In the collective monograph, written by the authors of the Financial University under the government of the Russian Federation and Banking Academy of Vietnam identified key problematice economic ties of the EEU member States and SVR. It States that the Agreement on free trade between the member States of the Eurasian economic Union and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam even for a short period of operation has allowed to deepen cooperation in almost all areas which are the subject of the interaction. A comparative assessment of different types of free trade agreements was made. The problems preventing the intensification of interaction between the EAEU countries and Vietnam in the areas of trade, foreign direct investment, intellectual property, tourism and regulation of migration flows are identified, the legal analysis of the articles of the Agreement is carried out. The efficiency of the EAEU-Vietnam free trade zone is estimated using the gravity model.The main recommendations on strengthening the interstate partnership within the framework of the current Agreement are formulated.
For managers and specialists in foreign economic activity, researchers, postgraduates, students studying international economic relations.
Use of calcium channel blockers in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bain Amie
Published: January 2019

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used agents in the management of a number of cardiovascular indications, including hypertension, angina and supraventricular tachycardias. By inhibiting the movement of calcium into the cytoplasm via transmembrane calcium channels, they reduce vascular and myocardial contractility, and modulate the activity of pacemaker cells. There are important differences between the different types of calcium channel blockers, and a sound understanding of their mechanism of action is required to promote their safe, effective use. This article briefly describes calcium channel pharmacology, the mechanism of action of CCBs and their place in the therapy of cardiovascular disease.
Challenging the misconceptions of nursing and midwifery
Authors: Vaughan Paul , Carter Elizabeth , Matthews Bev
Published: January 2019

Nursing has developed significantly in the NHS's 70 years. As the profession faces vacancies across its sectors, including general practice, Paul Vaughan, Elizabeth Carter and Bev Matthews explore ways that we can encourage people to take up this fulfilling career
HEIDEGGER E A DIMENSÃO ORIGINARIAMENTE TRÁGICA DA FINITUDE EM SUA TEMPORALIDADE HISTÓRICA
Authors: Toledo Daniel Da Silva
Published: February 2019

Tomando por base a filosofia do pensador alemão Martin Heidegger, o presente artigo tem por escopo principal reportar a condição existencial de finitude à dimensão inicial da historicidade do ser delimitada fundamentalmente pela disposição originariamente trágica do ser-no-mundo. Para isso, exploraremos alguns componentes essenciais da ontologia heideggeriana que se nos afiguram como potencialmente trágicos, como os elementos da precariedade e do padecimento, as dinâmicas histórico-existenciais de declínio e de errância do ser, bem como a suspensão de seu sentido último. Com isso, almeja-se, por fim, apontar que a modalidade de ser que corresponde de maneira mais radical à temporalidade histórica do ser-para-a-morte é aquela colocada originariamente em obra pela poesia trágica dos gregos.
A FORMAÇÃO/PRODUÇÃO DA MERCADORIA FORÇA DE TRABALHO DOPROFESSOR: UMA ANÁLISE À LUZ DO MATERIALISMO HISTÓRICO
Authors: De Oliveira Rogério Paes , De Paula Alisson Slider Do Nascimento , Costa Frederico Jorge Ferreira
Published: February 2019

O pressente estudo possui como objetivo a tentativa de desvelar como a força de trabalho do professor está inserida na lógica global do capital como mercadoria, em uma conjuntura na qual os cursos de formação de professores aumentaram, consideravelmente, suas matrículas, sobretudo os cursos de Educação a Distância (EaD) nas Instituições de Ensino Superior privadas. A mercadoria força de trabalho do professor está inserida na lógica do modo de produção capitalista e, portanto, na mesma lógica do valor. Assim sendo, quanto menor o tempo de produção da sua força de trabalho, menor será o seu valor e menor será o seu preço. Concernente aos procedimentos metodológicos, optou-se por um estudo de caráter bibliográfico na qual os pressupostos teórico-metodológicos do materialismo histórico serão referência matricial. Considerou-se que estando o professor desprovido dos meios de produção, necessita vender sua força de trabalho para manter-se vivo nessa sociabilidade hodierna, no contexto da expansão dos cursos de licenciatura e diminuição do tempo de produção da mercadoria força de trabalho do professor, com conseguinte diminuição dos salários.
EROS, DESEJO E BEM EM O BANQUETE DE PLATÃO
Authors: Da Silva Felipe Gustavo Soares
Published: February 2019

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La transparencia de los municipios de ecuador en sus sitios web: metodología y resultados
Authors: Molina Rodríguez-navas Pedro , Medranda Morales Narcisa Jessenia
Published: February 2019

El acceso a la información es un nuevo derecho de las personas. La transparencia de las administraciones públicas, como valor y práctica, comporta beneficios en términos de democracia y desarrollo. La metodología Infoparticipa se ha diseñado y experimentado en España para evaluar e impulsar mejoras y se ha concebido como una auditoría cívica. Ahora se ha aplicado en Ecuador, adaptándola a su estructura administrativa y legislación, y se postula como estándar para el área iberoamericana.
La Transnacionalización de la Resistencia a la Minería en Tambogrande y Pascua Lama
Authors: Paredes Maritza
Published: February 2019

El artículo explora diferentes combinaciones estratégicas de escalamiento global de los conflictos de resistencia a la minería.  Se responde a la pregunta ¿cómo los actores locales toman decisiones respectos a cambios de escala a nivel internacional al mismo tiempo que contemplan las opciones institucionales disponibles a nivel nacional? A partir de dos casos de resistencia a la minería de oro, Tambogrande en Perú y Pascua Lama en Chile, este estudio explica como las características de la institucionalidad ambiental nacional condiciona diferentes combinaciones de escalamiento global y nacional que llevan a cada caso a alcanzar sus objetivos.
Redes que rejuvenecen: el caso del Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos «Capítulo México»
Authors: Varo Barranco Anaïs , Martí I Puig Salvador
Published: February 2019

Entre 2011 y 2014 se llevó a cabo el capítulo mexicano del Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos (TPP) con el fin de denunciar, entre otras cuestiones, la devastación de los recursos naturales y bienes comunes presentes en el territorio mexicano. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar qué tipo de actor político colectivo es el Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos, de forma comparada y en la lógica de la acción colectiva, y evaluar sus impactos.
Self-reported selected zoonotic diseases among animal handlers in Urban Ahmedabad, India
Authors: Patel Krupali , Saxena Deepak
Published: January 2019

Background and Aim: Out of all global microbial pathogens, 61% are zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases (Z/D/S) are responsible for a large burden on the public health, livestock economies, and wildlife of India. Data on burden and knowledge about Z/D/S among animal handlers are limited for urban and peri-urban areas of India. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported selected Z/D/S and knowledge about those diseases among animal handlers in the urban area of Ahmedabad city, India.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 animal handlers from three zones of Ahmedabad city, India, from February to May 2017. Data were collected on sociodemographic, different exposure, knowledge, practices about animal handling, and self-reported Z/D/S condition.

Results: Majority of study participants were females. Participants had numbers of animals, and it ranged from 1 to 70. However, the majority of them were cattle. Average experience and hours/day spent for handling animal were reported 22±15 years and 5±2 h, respectively. From all participants, about one-third perceived that handling animal could be a cause of disease. Average knowledge on the mode of transmission of Z/D/S was found 4.1%. Most common high risk and preventive practices found consumption of raw milk (72%) and handwashing (83%). The proportion of self-reported Z/D/S in the past 5 years was found to be 23% among respondents and 17% among family members. However, the proportion of existing self-reported Z/D/S or symptomatic Z/D/S was 17% among respondents and 18% among family members. Most common self-reported Z/D/S were vector-borne, animal bite, and respiratory disorders.

Conclusion: The knowledge and prevalence of Z/D/S were found low as compared to other studies from India. Further awareness and screening of animal handlers can be useful to increase the reporting and prevention and control of Z/D/S among them.
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMIC BEHAVIOUR OF RC COLUMNS WITH THE CONFINEMENT EFFECT OF OVERLAPPING HOOPS SUBJECTED TO LATERAL RAPID LOADINGS
Authors: Zeng Xiang , Xu Bin
Published: February 2019

To further examine the effect of the strain rate on the behaviour of hoop-confined reinforced concrete (RC) columns, the dynamic behaviour of overlapping hoop-confined RC columns subjected to lateral rapid loadings is investigated by applying finite element analysis. Based on the verified finite element model, the effect of the following five parameters on the dynamic behaviour of RC columns were discussed considering both strain rate effect and confinement effect: the loading rate, axial load ratio, volume ratio of stirrups, shear span ratio and configuration of hoops. The following conclusions were made. The lateral-load-carrying capacity increases and the ductility decreases because of the rapid loadings, but the increase in volume ratio of the stirrups weakens the effect of the loading rate on the ductility. The axial load ratio and volumetric ratio of the stirrups affect the dynamic increasing factor (DIF) of the lateral-load-carrying capacity, but the effect of the shear span ratio on the DIF can be neglected. The increase in flexural-load-carrying capacity due to the increase in volume ratio of the stirrups under static loadings is higher than that under rapid loadings. The difference in effect of the two configurations of overlapping hoops on the dynamic behaviour of RC columns is notably small.
Enseñar la ciudad como territorio de memorias y relatos en disputa sobre la trágica inundación ocurrida el 2 de abril de 2013 en la localidad de La Plata. Una experiencia pedagógica en formación inicial
Authors: Linare Cecilia Elizabet , Tarquini María Soledad
Published: February 2019

En este trabajo presentamos una experiencia de enseñanza-aprendizaje que desarrollamos como docentes de formación inicial con jóvenes estudiantes que cursan el segundo año del Profesorado de Geografía en el ISFD N° 96 de La Plata, en 2016. Desde la materia Perspectiva Pedagógica Didáctica II abordamos el espacio urbano como objeto de estudio, a través de algunas categorías analíticas tales como marcas territoriales y sitios de memoria, para luego transformarlo en objeto de enseñanza a partir de los aportes de la Didáctica Específica en Ciencias Sociales y Geografía.  Seleccionamos y analizamos una producción realizada por estudiantes sobre el Parque Castelli y sus alrededores, lugares en los que se encuentran diversas marcas territoriales tales como un monumento y murales que denuncian la inundación ocurrida el 2 de abril de 2013 en la ciudad y conmemora a sus víctimas. La experiencia nos permitió reflexionar sobre la enseñanza de la ciudad desde los tópicos y enfoques propuestos, cuestionar concepciones espaciales e imaginarios geográficos construidos y reconocernos como ciudadanos productores de espacio con derecho a habitar la ciudad.
El pensamiento histórico de los estudiantes que ingresan a la formación docente de Educación Primaria: una aproximación a su estudio desde un enfoque epistémico de la escritura
Authors: Rodríguez Nélida Beatriz
Published: February 2019

Existe un consenso extendido en el ámbito de la educación acerca de la relevancia que asume el desarrollo del pensamiento histórico (en adelante PH) en general y particularmente en quienes tendrán la tarea de formar a niños y jóvenes.  Si bien no hay acuerdo respecto de la definición de la noción de PH, los especialistas coinciden en que resulta de un proceso de construcción y por ello es objeto de enseñanza. Se considera que la escritura, concebida como herramienta epistémica, es un elemento fundamental para potenciar ese proceso a la vez que ofrece un soporte material privilegiado para retroalimentar la construcción del PH. En esa línea se ha elaborado la tesis “El pensamiento histórico de los estudiantes que ingresan a la formación docente de Educación Primaria: una aproximación a su estudio desde un enfoque epistémico de la escritura” en el marco de la Maestría de Didácticas Específicas de la UNL, Argentina. El trabajo aborda los resultados de la investigación realizada y considera la relevancia que asume el estudio de la relación PH y escritura en referencia a los debates que atraviesan las Didácticas Específicas y la Formación Docente en la región.
Aquino, N. y Ferreyra, S. (2018) (edit.). La enseñanza de la historia. Políticas, tensiones y disputas en torno a la Reforma Universitaria de 1918. Entre el mito del nuevo espíritu y los dolores que nos quedan
Authors: Alvarez Lucrecia
Published: February 2019

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