bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanics and mathematicians: George Biddell Airy and the social tensions in constructing time at Parliament, 1845–1860
Authors: Gillin Edward J.
Published: October 2019

In mid-Victorian Britain, reconciling elite mathematical expertise with practical mechanical experience presented both engineering and social challenges. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the construction of the Westminster Clock at Britain’s Houses of Parliament. Realizing this scheme engendered the collaboration between Cambridge mathematicians George Biddell Airy and Edmund Beckett Denison, and the clockmaker Edward John Dent. Transforming theoretical mathematical drawings into physical apparatus challenged existing relations between conveyors of privileged scientific knowledge and those with practical experience of what was, and what was not, mechanically possible. My article demonstrates how, within this project, physical models and devices provided material solutions to ambiguities over authority and social disorder in Victorian Britain.
Basic Plots in the Bible
Authors: Hagan Harry
Published: October 2019

In The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories (2004), Christopher Booker names seven basic plots: overcoming the monster (battle), rags to riches, the journey quest, voyage and return, comedy, tragedy, and rebirth; to these he adds three subplots: call and commission, trials, and temptations. Booker argues that these plots shape the stories we tell and provide a key to their meaning for us. This article shows that biblical stories from both the Old and New Testaments use and combine these basic plots and subplots to create biblical narratives. Besides providing a way of identifying the connection between stories, these categories also offer a context for understanding what is distinctive about each story and about the biblical narrative tradition. As such, these basic plots and subplots offer another strategy for the analysis of genre (form criticism).
A Pilot Investigation of an Autonomous Technology-Based Instructional Program for Teaching Sentence Construction to Students With Extensive Support Needs
Authors: Pennington Robert C. , Stanger Carol , Mims Pamela J. , Kirkman Celeste , Aldridge Scott , Stanley Melissa , Chapman Sarah
Published: October 2019

In the current investigation, we evaluated the effects of technology-based instructional prototype in teaching eight students with extensive support needs to construct sentences. We employed a concurrent multiple probe research design and determined that the package was effective for seven of the participants. Further, teachers reported favorable perceptions of the prototype. Limitations and areas for future research are discussed.
“Sport Is Argument”: Polarization, Racial Tension, and the Televised Sport Debate Format
Authors: Henry Taylor M. , Oates Thomas P.
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes what we term the “televised sport debate format” exemplified in shows such as Pardon the Interruption and First Take. This design borrows from established formats in political television such as Firing Line, Crossfire, and Hannity and Colmes, and is characterized by mostly male hosts debating a range of salient events, often with an animated, argumentative tone. This article identifies the convergence of factors influencing the growth of the televised sport debate by focusing on the industrial and political contexts in which these programs emerged. We examine the commercial and cultural realities that created the space for ESPN’s debate programs, and how ESPN (and then its competitors) sought to exploit that space. In the second half of the article, we explain the political context within and beyond sport that opened the cultural and ideological spaces for ESPN and its competitors to subtly reshape the televised sport debate format to appeal more directly to race- and gender-based grievances. We show how these realities, combined with ESPN’s presentational strategies, express deep-seated racial tensions, both within the institutional culture of ESPN and in the wider sphere of U.S. culture. We conclude by asking what these shifts mean for the future of sports television programming strategies, and the politics that both inform them and are informed by them.
Using an Embedded Mixed Methods Design to Assess and Improve Intervention Acceptability of an Equity-Focused Intervention: A Methodological Demonstration
Authors: Bastable Eoin , Meng Paul , Falcon Sarah Fairbanks , McIntosh Kent
Published: October 2019

Educators have shown reluctance to implement interventions aimed at improving racial equity in school disciplinary practice. Mixed methods were applied to assess and improve the acceptability of a new intervention designed to reduce racial disparities in school discipline. A descriptive concurrent parallel design was used to assess U.S. educators’ perceptions of the acceptability of the intervention. Quantitative findings from professional development workshops introducing the intervention to 118 educators were corroborated with qualitative findings from a separate sample of 4 teachers who implemented it in their classrooms. Quantitative findings indicated that the intervention was acceptable to a broad range of potential implementers, and qualitative findings were used to modify the intervention to further improve its utility. The strengths, limitations, and implications of embedding mixed methods approaches to assess school-based interventions are also discussed.
Selecting Active Surveillance: Decision Making Factors for Men with a Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hoffman Richard M. , Lobo Tania , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Davis Kimberly M. , Luta George , Leimpeter Amethyst D. , Aaronson David , Penson David F. , Taylor Kathryn
Published: October 2019

Background. Men with a low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) should consider observation, particularly active surveillance (AS), a monitoring strategy that avoids active treatment (AT) in the absence of disease progression. Objective. To determine clinical and decision-making factors predicting treatment selection. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). Patients. Men newly diagnosed with low-risk PCa between 2012 and 2014 who remained enrolled in KPNC for 12 months following diagnosis. Measurements. We used surveys and medical record abstractions to measure sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and psychological and decision-making factors. Men were classified as being on observation if they did not undergo AT within 12 months of diagnosis. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results. The average age of the 1171 subjects was 61.5 years ( s = 7.2 years), and 81% were white. Overall, 639 (57%) were managed with observation; in adjusted analyses, significant predictors of observation included awareness of low-risk status (odds ratio 1.75; 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.94), knowing that observation was an option (3.62; 1.62–8.09), having concerns about treatment-related quality of life (1.21, 1.09–1.34), reporting a urologist recommendation for observation (8.20; 4.68–14.4), and having a lower clinical stage (T1c v. T2a, 2.11; 1.16–3.84). Conversely, valuing cancer control (1.54; 1.37–1.72) and greater decisional certainty (1.66; 1.18–2.35) were predictive of AT. Limitations. Results may be less generalizable to other types of health care systems and to more diverse populations. Conclusions. Many participants selected observation, and this was associated with tumor characteristics. However, nonclinical decisional factors also independently predicted treatment selection. Efforts to provide early decision support, particularly targeting knowledge deficits, and reassurance to men with low-risk cancers may facilitate better decision making and increase uptake of observation, particularly AS.
Functional Results and Outcomes After Repair of Partial Proximal Hamstring Avulsions at Midterm Follow-up
Authors: Arner Justin W. , Freiman Halle , Mauro Craig S. , Bradley James P.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Partial avulsions of the proximal hamstring origin remain a challenging problem with nonoperative treatments frequently providing limited success. The literature is limited regarding the outcomes of operative management in the active and athletic population.

Hypothesis:

Surgical fixation of proximal hamstring ruptures will have favorable outcomes at midterm follow-up.

Study design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 64 patients with partial avulsions of the proximal hamstring origin treated with surgical fixation by a single surgeon were reviewed at a 2-year minimum follow-up. All patients had initially undergone failed nonoperative treatment. Patient-reported outcome scores on the Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), Marx Activity Rating Scale, custom LEFS and Marx scales, and total proximal hamstring score were evaluated. Data on patient-perceived strength, return to sport, and satisfaction were also collected.

Results:

The cohort included 27 male and 37 female (N = 64) patients with a mean age of 47.3 years (range, 16-65 years), and all were reviewed at a mean 6.5-year (range, 2-12.5 years) follow-up. The average postoperative LEFS was 96% (range, 68%-100%), with the custom LEFS being 90% (range, 39%-100%). The mean Marx score was 12.4 (range, 4-16). The Marx custom score demonstrated no disability with activities of daily living. The mean total proximal hamstring score was 94% (range, 69%-100%). No differences in any outcome measures were seen when comparing acute versus chronic repairs. Three patients underwent further hamstring surgery. No patients reported symptoms of numbness in the operative extremity at rest, while 3 patients had a superficial stitch abscess treated with antibiotics alone. The most commonly reported difficulty was with prolonged sitting. Ninety-seven percent were satisfied with surgery, 92% reported they could participate in strenuous activity, and 97% estimated their strength to be >75%, while 64% estimated it to be 100% of their contralateral side. Patients returned to sport at an average of 11.1 months, and all that returned were satisfied with their performance.

Conclusion:

Both early and delayed anatomic surgical repair of partial proximal hamstring avulsions leads to successful functional outcomes, a high rate of return to athletic activity, and low complication rates at the 6.5-year follow-up. Nonoperative treatments should first be attempted.
Supporting Special Education Teacher Induction Through High-Leverage Practices
Authors: Billingsley Bonnie , Bettini Elizabeth , Jones Nathan D.
Published: October 2019

Induction is designed to support teachers’ effectiveness, improve their students’ learning, and foster their retention. We consider how high-leverage practices (HLPs) might provide an instructional framework for special education teacher (SET) induction. With sensemaking theory as a conceptual foundation, we posit that, by structuring induction experiences and instructional conditions around HLPs, schools and districts can send more coherent messages about effective instruction, thereby easing new SETs’ efforts to make sense of their roles. We first provide a brief review of research on new SETs’ experiences. Next, we consider how specific induction components (i.e., professional development and mentoring, teacher evaluation, and collaboration) and instructional conditions (i.e., collaboration, instructional curricula and resources, and schedules) might be structured to support SETs’ learning of and use of these HLPs. We conclude with considerations for researchers and practitioners.
A Continuum of Pedagogies for Preparing Teachers to Use High-Leverage Practices
Authors: Brownell Mary T. , Benedict Amber E. , Leko Melinda M. , Peyton David , Pua Daisy , Richards-Tutor Catherine
Published: October 2019

This article provides a framework and description of pedagogies that may be used in teacher preparation across a range of settings from college classrooms to P-12 settings to support teacher candidates as they learn to use high-leverage practices (HLPs). These “pedagogies of enactment” must include a continuum of opportunities to use teaching practices in increasingly authentic settings, ranging from video analysis, case studies, rehearsal, and virtual simulations to use of practices with coaching support in a classroom (e.g., lesson study, structured tutoring, and aligned field experiences). In this article, we use research on the development of professional expertise and from cognitive science to identify pedagogies from the teacher education research base that have promise for promoting candidates’ learning and describe how these pedagogies might be scaffolded over the duration of a teacher education program to promote learning.
Improving Teaching Quality for Students With Disabilities: Establishing a Warrant for Teacher Education Practice
Authors: Brownell Mary T. , Jones Nathan D. , Sohn Hyojong , Stark Kristabel
Published: October 2019

In the 2010 issue of Teacher Education and Special Education ( TESE), Sindelar and colleagues examined the current status of research on special education teachers and outlined future work necessary to improve the special education teacher workforce. In this article, the authors focus explicitly on Sindelar and colleagues’ charge to increase the quality of research on teacher education. They begin the article by conducting a literature review of all articles published in TESE from 2010 to 2019, examining papers focused on advancing theory, measurement, and practice in teacher education. They compare patterns in the research to the broader teacher education literature captured in seven special and teacher education journals. They conclude by discussing needs of the field going forward and provide some thoughts about how we might address those needs through a comprehensive research agenda—one that articulates a vision for how we might develop teaching quality at the intersection of general and special education.
Relationality and Attunement in Teaching Christian Ethics
Authors: Abram Anna
Published: October 2019

I identify my priority in teaching Christian ethics as fostering relationality, both in individual and collective contexts. I argue that focusing on the idea of relationality enables us to explore connections that exist or should exist between individuals and groups. For me, fostering relationality involves building an intellectual understanding of moral relationality and embodying this understanding in practical situations. In order to contain the theme of this study, I focus on a specific aspect of relationality, namely the idea of attunement. I propose attentive listening, openness to innovation and fostering the spirit of tranquillity as key components of the ethics of attunement.
Experimental and numerical analysis of heat convection in cylindrical composite structures with internal defects
Authors: Muc Aleksander , Chwał Małgorzata , Stawiarski Adam
Published: October 2019

The present article discusses the influence of delamination and external loads on the heat transfer in flat and curved laminated panels. Three cases are considered in details: (1) the unloaded structure (length is a constant), (2) the static loading, and (3) the fatigue loading. Here, the comparison between experimental and numerical (finite element method) results is presented. The numerical model allows us to adopt implementations of various boundary conditions as well as the size of delamination. The influence of the shallowness parameter and the thermal resistance is demonstrated. The experimental detection of temperature contours during the cooling process has been conducted at different points in the area surrounding the delamination.
Talk Around Town: A Mobile Phone Application to Support Parent–Child Talk in the Community
Authors: Irvin Dwight W. , Bigelow Kathryn M. , Turcotte Amy , Eastwood-Tallmon Nick , Wallisch Anna
Published: October 2019

Supports are largely absent and tools are scarce to assist parents receiving home-based early intervention services (e.g., Early Head Start) with enriching the language learning environments of young children beyond home to the community. Talk Around Town is a wayfinding mobile application designed to provide real-time, location-specific, evidence-based communication strategies to parents in community settings (e.g., park, community center, store, library). The application uses Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality within smartphones and Google Maps to support caregiver talk in community locations. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine early childhood service providers’ and parents’ perceptions of Talk Around Town. Overall, parents and early childhood service providers’ perspectives were largely positive. Implications for future research are discussed (e.g., tailoring the application for Department of Human Services caseworkers).
Child Sex Abuse and Recovered Memories of Abuse: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Authors: Robbins Susan P.
Published: October 2019

Sexual abuse of children has garnered a substantial amount of empirical research, state and federal legislation, and media coverage in the past several decades. This article briefly examines the history of child maltreatment and child sexual abuse (CSA) and societal responses to it. A review of selected articles on CSA that were published since the inception of Families in Society reveals how our knowledge of and ideas about sexual abuse, the perpetrators, responses to abuse allegations, and the Freudian concept of repression have changed over time. The phenomenon of repressed and recovered memories of abuse is also discussed, including the articles that were published in the journal. Despite continued disagreement in the field between researchers and clinicians, a summary is provided detailing points of consensus related to CSA and recovered memories.
The Experience of Living to an Extreme Age: A Meta-Ethnography
Authors: Toye Francine , Jenkins Cathy , Barker Karen L.
Published: October 2019

Advances in health care mean that we can now treat diseases that once cut lives short. However, the increase in life expectancy has not been matched by improvements in quality of life. The World Health Organization warns us that all countries should prepare to meet the challenges of an aging population and this is integral to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This may require a shift in attitude toward aging. We aimed to use meta-ethnography to explore the experience of adults living beyond the age of 80. Our conceptual model illuminates the phenomenon of connection in older age and reflects on the paradox of time: ephemeral, yet interminable. Our findings encourage us to reflect on the influence of enlightenment philosophies that underpin the desire for autonomy at all costs. Our study challenges the stereotypes of old age and has the potential to influence people’s perspectives toward aging.
Catherine Bradshaw: The Role of Prevention Science in School-Based Programming
Authors: Stormont Melissa , Cohen Daniel R. , Green Ambra L.
Published: October 2019

Catherine Bradshaw, PhD, MEd, is a professor and the senior associate dean for research and faculty development at the Curry School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. She was previously the associate editor for the Journal of Research on Adolescence and is currently the editor of Prevention Science. She is a coeditor of the Handbook of School Mental Health (2014), is the editor of Handbook on Bullying Prevention: A Life Course Perspective (2017), and is currently working on two books.
Conditional Reasoning: An Integrated Approach to Item Analysis
Authors: Smith Daniel R. , Hoffman Michael E. , LeBreton James M.
Published: October 2019

This article provides a review of the approach that James used when conducting item analyses on his conditional reasoning test items. That approach was anchored in classical test theory. Our article extends this work in two important ways. First, we offer a set of test development protocols that are tailored to the unique nature of conditional reasoning tests. Second, we further extend James’s approach by integrating his early test validation protocols (based on classical test theory) with more recent protocols (based on item response theory). We then apply our integrated item analytic framework to data collected on James’s first test, the conditional reasoning test for relative motive strength. We illustrate how this integrated approach furnishes additional diagnostic information that may allow researchers to make more informed and targeted revisions to an initial set of items.
Direct anterior approach versus posterior approach in primary total hip replacement: comparison of minimum 2-year outcomes
Authors: Maldonado David R , Kyin Cynthia , Walker-Santiago Rafael , Rosinsky Philip J , Shapira Jacob , Lall Ajay C , Domb Benjamin G
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

The direct anterior approach (DAA) has gained popularity in recent years for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Several authors reported significantly better early outcomes when compared to the posterior approach (PA). Nevertheless, controversy exists regarding longer-term benefits of the DAA.

Methods:

Data was prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for primary THAs conducted between July 2008 and July 2016. Patients who underwent DAA and PA with minimum 2-year follow-up for Harris Hip Score (HHS), Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), Veteran RAND 12 Mental (VR-12 Mental), Veteran RAND 12 Physical (VR-12 Physical), 12-Item Short Form Survey Mental (SF-12 Mental), 12-Item Short Form Survey Physical (SF-12 Physical), visual analogue scale, and patient satisfaction were included. Propensity score matching was performed on the DAA and PA cohorts (1:1) based on the following variables: age, sex, body mass index, and laterality.

Results:

205 DAA hips were satisfactorily matched to 205 PA hips. The DAA group had higher scores at final follow-up for VR-12 Mental ( p = 0.0145), VR-12 Physical ( p = 0.0236), SF-12 Mental ( p = 0.0393), and SF-12 Physical ( p = 0.0391). The DAA and PA groups had comparable HHS ( p = 0.0737) and FJS-12 ( p = 0.2900).

Conclusions:

Although the DAA and PA groups had different follow-up periods, both the DAA and PA groups reported favourable outcomes at minimum 2-year follow-up. While both groups achieved comparable scores for the majority of PROs including VAS and patient satisfaction, the DAA group achieved superior quality of life outcomes when compared with a propensity score matched group of PA surgeries.
WhatsApp guidelines – what guidelines? A literature review
Authors: Mars Maurice , Morris Christopher , Scott Richard E
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Instant messaging (IM) is pervasive in modern society, including healthcare. WhatsApp, the most cited IM application in healthcare, is used to share sensitive patient information between clinicians. Its use raises legal, regulatory and ethical concerns. Are there guidelines for the clinical use of WhatsApp? Can generic guidelines be developed for the use of IM, for one-to-one and one-to-many healthcare professional communication using WhatsApp as an example?

Aim

We aimed to investigate if there are guidelines for using WhatsApp in clinical practice.

Method

Nine electronic databases were searched in January 2019 for articles on WhatsApp in clinical service. Inclusion criteria: paper was in English, reported on WhatsApp use or potential use in clinical practice, addressed legal, regulatory or ethical issues and presented some form of guideline or guidance for WhatsApp use.

Results

In total, 590 unique articles were found and 167 titles and abstracts met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-one articles identified the need for general guidelines. Twelve articles provided some form of guidance for using WhatsApp. Issues addressed were confidentiality, identification and privacy (eight articles), security (seven), record keeping (four) and storage (three). Mandatory national guidelines for the use of IM for patient-sensitive information do not appear to exist, only advisories that counsel against its use.

Conclusion

The literature showed clinicians use IM because of its simplicity, timeliness and cost effectiveness. No suitable guidelines exist. Generic guidelines are required for the use of IM for healthcare delivery which can be adapted to local circumstance and messaging service used.
Effectiveness of text messaging interventions for the management of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Senanayake Buddhika , Wickramasinghe Sumudu I , Chatfield Mark D , Hansen Julie , Edirippulige Sisira , Smith Anthony C
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Depression is a leading cause of human disability. Telemedicine-based interventions using text messaging are currently being trialled for the management of community-based clients with clinical depression. However, little is known about the effectiveness of such methods.

Methods

We searched the databases PubMed, Embase, Informit, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO and Scopus for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2000 and April 2019. Studies comparing text messaging interventions to a comparator group for patients with depression were included in the review. Articles were assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for RCTs.

Results

Nine RCTs (945 patients: 764 adults and 181 adolescents) were included in the systematic review. Five studies used text messaging as the only intervention, whilst the remaining combined text messaging with other treatment modalities such as behavioural activation or cognitive behavioural therapy. A meta-analysis was conducted on seven selected RCTs (845 patients: 664 adults and 181 adolescents). The standardised mean reduction in depression due to text messaging interventions was 0.23 (95% confidence interval: –0.02 to 0.48). There was evidence of heterogeneity in treatment effect between studies.

Discussion

There is marginal evidence supporting text messaging interventions as an effective treatment modality for people living with clinical depression. However, further research is needed to determine how best to utilise text-message interventions alongside other conventional forms of health services delivery.
Social Marketing’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT): A Commentary
Authors: Deshpande Sameer
Published: October 2019

Background:

Over the past half century, social marketing has come into its own, both as a discipline and a practice, for creating positive social outcomes. However, as the operating environment continues to evolve, the role of social marketing in the change landscape requires consideration.

Focus of the article:

In this article, the author presents a commentary on the present and future role of social marketing research and practice through the lens of a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. Topics discussed in the analysis include the boundary definition of social marketing, modalities of practice, sources of funding, the complexity of target issues, and professional standing and competition.

Importance to the social marketing field:

Critical analysis of social marketing research and practice can assist to maintain and grow its relevance and adoption among key stakeholders.

Recommendations for Research or Practice:

Several recommendations are made for addressing the issues identified in the SWOT analysis. These include conscious effort to market social marketing; clarify the concept of audience orientation when designing social marketing solutions; address specific research questions that produce academic and managerial insights; utilize corporate partnerships creatively; offer social marketing course to retain accreditation of professions such as marketing, public health, environmental studies, or public administration; and, encourage documentation of initiatives.

Limitations:

The discussion presented here is based purely on opinions and experience of the author.
Western Music on Commodore Perry’s “Black Ships” in Japan, 1853–1854
Authors: Howe Sondra Wieland
Published: October 2019

Commodore Perry and his “Black Ships” opened Japanese harbors for foreign shipping in 1853 and 1854. Music was important for this Japan Expedition that obtained a treaty between the United States and Japan. Bands and singers performed music for parades, impressive ceremonies, religious services, and entertainment for the sailors and foreign audiences. This article examines the styles of Western music, instrumentation, and performance venues of Perry’s musicians as they traveled to harbors in China, Okinawa, and Japan. Since the large bands from Perry’s ships were impressive with their fancy uniforms, swords, and loud music, the Japanese associated band music with American military power. The performances on Perry’s ships were some of the first performances of Western music in Japan, before the Westernization of the Japanese school music curriculum in the 1880s. Primary sources for this research include contemporary narrative accounts, printed programs, nineteenth-century prints, and songbooks. Secondary sources include websites, articles, and books to put the material in a historical context.
Production fault simulation and forecasting from time series data with machine learning in glove textile industry
Authors: Seçkin Mine , Seçkin Ahmet Çağdaş , Coşkun Aysun
Published: October 2019

Although textile production is heavily automation-based, it is viewed as a virgin area with regard to Industry 4.0. When the developments are integrated into the textile sector, efficiency is expected to increase. When data mining and machine learning studies are examined in textile sector, it is seen that there is a lack of data sharing related to production process in enterprises because of commercial concerns and confidentiality. In this study, a method is presented about how to simulate a production process and how to make regression from the time series data with machine learning. The simulation has been prepared for the annual production plan, and the corresponding faults based on the information received from textile glove enterprise and production data have been obtained. Data set has been applied to various machine learning methods within the scope of supervised learning to compare the learning performances. The errors that occur in the production process have been created using random parameters in the simulation. In order to verify the hypothesis that the errors may be forecast, various machine learning algorithms have been trained using data set in the form of time series. The variable showing the number of faulty products could be forecast very successfully. When forecasting the faulty product parameter, the random forest algorithm has demonstrated the highest success. As these error values have given high accuracy even in a simulation that works with uniformly distributed random parameters, highly accurate forecasts can be made in real-life applications as well.
Understanding Modifiable and Unmodifiable Older Adult Fall Risk Factors to Create Effective Prevention Strategies
Authors: Bergen Gwen , Stevens Mark R. , Kakara Ramakrishna , Burns Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2019

Each year, more than 1 in 4 older adults in the United States report a fall and 1 in 10 a fall injury. Using nationally representative data from the 2016 US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we evaluated demographic, geographic, functional, and health characteristics associated with falls and fall injuries among adults aged 65 years and older. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to produce crude and adjusted percentages by characteristic. Characteristics most strongly associated with increased fall risk in order of adjusted percentage were depression, difficulty doing errands alone, and difficulty dressing or bathing. Characteristics most strongly associated with fall injury risk in order of adjusted percentage were depression, difficulty dressing or bathing, and being a member of an unmarried couple. The diverse health and functional characteristics associated with increased falls and fall injuries confirm the importance of screening and assessing older adult patients to determine their individual unique risk factors. Health care providers can use tools and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative to screen their older adult patients for fall risk, assess at-risk patients’ modifiable risk factors, and intervene to reduce risk by prescribing evidence-based interventions.
Anti-tyrosinase and Anti-oxidative Activities by Asana: the Heartwood of Pterocarpusmarsupium
Authors: Deguchi Takahiro , Tamai Atsushi , Asahara Keito , Miyamoto Kana , Miyamoto Akane , Nomura Mio , Kawata-Tominaga Takuya , Yoshioka Yuri , Murata Kazuya
Published: October 2019

Asana (the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium) has been utilized as an agent for diabetes mellitus in Ayurveda traditional medicine. In our research program to explore novel functions of asana extract, we focused on its skin-whitening effect because asana has been used as a remedy for chronic skin diseases. In addition, the authors have already reported an improvement in blood fluidity that brightens dull facial skin. Based on these effects, asana is a promising candidate agent that possesses both blood fluidity and anti-tyrosinase activities. We focused on the anti-tyrosinase activity and anti-oxidative activities of asana and the results are summarized in this report. We found that a 50% ethanolic extract obtained from asana (PM-ext) showed 23%, 53%, and 71% inhibition against mushroom tyrosinase at 12.5, 50, and 200 µg/mL. Oxyresveratrol and isoliquiritigenin were identified as the active compounds by activity-guided purification. Oxyresveratrol has higher potency than isoliquiritigenin and the IC50 of oxyresveratrol was estimated to be 2.1 µM. On the other hand, isoliquiritigenin showed 21%, 28%, and 38% inhibition at 10, 50, and 100 µM, respectively. The inhibitory activity of oxyresveratrol was compared with 3 stilbenes, pterostilbene, resveratrol, and piceatannol. Although oxyresveratrol showed 72.8%, 81.0%, and 85.4% inhibition at 2, 5, and 10 µM, respectively, pterostilbene, resveratrol, and piceatannol showed no effects at the same concentration; these compounds also demonstrated anti-melanogenesis activity on B16 murine melanoma cells. As a result, oxyresveratrol showed the most potent activity, without cytotoxicity, with 38%, 74%, and 84% inhibition at 2, 10, and 20 µM, respectively, while pterostilbene showed 26%, 71%, and 79% inhibition at the same concentration with cytotoxicity at 10 and 20 µM. Resveratrol showed 20%, 41%, and 57% inhibition without cytotoxicity at 2, 10, and 20 µM, respectively. Auto-oxidation is one of the major factors in melanin biosynthesis and anti-oxidative activity is suitable for an anti-melanogenesis agent. We investigated the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity by PM-ext. As a result, PM-ext showed 16%, 33%, and 73% DPPH radical-scavenging activity at 10, 20, and 50 µg/mL, respectively. Oxyresveratrol showed 19%, 31%, and 59% scavenging activity at 10, 20, and 50 µM, respectively, similar to piceatannol. In addition, PM-ext showed 29%, 48%, and 80% suppressive activity on AGEs production at 3.1, 12.5, and 50 µg/mL, respectively. Oxyresveratrol showed 32%, 47%, and 55% activity at 10, 50, and 100 µM, respectively, and this was the most potent among the stilbenes tested. These results suggest that PM-ext could be a promising candidate as skin-whitening agent.
Hidradenitis suppurativa and vasculitis: A case series and literature review of a rare association
Authors: Alavi Afsaneh , Shavit Eran , Archer Jeannine , Pagnoux Christian
Published: October 2019

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with dysregulation of the immune system. Its pathophysiology is not clear, and it has been reported in association with various inflammatory disorders such as pyoderma gangrenosum, arthritis, familial Mediterranean fever and inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the co-existence of HS and vasculitis is exceptional and has not been investigated. We report on five patients with vasculitis that are followed in our centers: one with Takayasu’s arteritis, three with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and one with Behcet’s disease and compare them with those previously reported in the literature. A case series and literature review with key words of “vasculitis,” “hidradenitis suppurativa,” and “acne inversa” found only one previous report of hidradenitis suppurativa and cutaneous vasculitis and two with Behcet’s disease. Whereas the association of pyoderma gangrenosum and vasculitis is well-known, that with hidradenitis suppurativa is rarer. There may be some pathogenic continuum between hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum and vasculitis.
Pharmacological DNA demethylation restores SMAD1 expression and tumor suppressive signaling in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Stelling Anna , Wu Cheuk-Ting , Bertram Katrin , Hashwah Hind , Theocharides Alexandre P. A. , Manz Markus G. , Tzankov Alexandar , Müller Anne
Published: October 2019

Key Points

SMAD1 is silenced by hypermethylation in DLBCL cell lines and patient samples but not in peripheral blood B cells or lymph nodes. DAC treatment restores SMAD1 expression and reverses DLBCL growth in several xenotransplantation and patient-derived xenograft models.
Cellular mechanisms underlying steroid-resistant asthma
Authors: Wadhwa Ridhima , Dua Kamal , Adcock Ian M. , Horvat Jay C. , Kim Richard Y. , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: October 2019

Severe steroid-resistant asthma is clinically important, as patients with this form of the disease do not respond to mainstay corticosteroid therapies. The heterogeneity of this form of asthma and poor understanding of the pathological mechanisms involved hinder the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of more effective therapies. A major limiting factor in the understanding of severe steroid-resistant asthma is the existence of multiple endotypes represented by different immunological and inflammatory phenotypes, particularly in adults. Several clinical and experimental studies have revealed associations between specific respiratory infections and steroid-resistant asthma in adults. Here, we discuss recent findings from other authors as well as our own studies that have developed novel experimental models for interrogating the association between respiratory infections and severe steroid-resistant asthma. These models have enabled the identification of new therapies using macrolides, as well as several novel disease mechanisms, including the microRNA-21/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/histone deacetylase 2 axis and NLRP3 inflammasomes, and highlight the potential of these mechanisms as therapeutic targets.
Gaps in care of patients living with pulmonary fibrosis: a joint patient and expert statement on the results of a Europe-wide survey
Authors: Moor Catharina C. , Wijsenbeek Marlies S. , Balestro Elisabetta , Biondini Davide , Bondue Benjamin , Cottin Vincent , Flewett Ron , Galvin Liam , Jones Steve , Molina-Molina Maria , Planas-Cerezales Lurdes , Prasse Antje , Prosch Helmut , Russell Anne-Marie , Viegas Michel , Wanke Guenther , Wuyts Wim , Kreuter Michael , Bonella Francesco
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and its most common form, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are chronic, progressive diseases resulting in increasing loss of lung function and impaired quality of life and survival. The aim of this joint expert and patient statement was to highlight the most pressing common unmet needs of patients with PF/IPF, putting forward recommendations to improve the quality of life and health outcomes throughout the patient journey.

Methods

Two online surveys for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) were conducted by the European Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Related Disorders Federation (EU-IPFF) in 14 European countries.

Results

The surveys were answered by 286 patients and 69 HCPs, including physicians and nurses. Delays in diagnosis and timely access to interstitial lung disease specialists and pharmacological treatment have been identified as important gaps in care. Additionally, patients and HCPs reported that a greater focus on symptom-centred management, adequate information, trial information and increasing awareness of PF/IPF is required.

Conclusions

The surveys offer important insights into the current unmet needs of PF/IPF patients. Interventions at different points of the care pathway are needed to improve patient experience.
Incidence, comorbidity and survival rate of hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a national population-based study
Authors: Rittig Anne Hald , Hilberg Ole , Ibsen Rikke , Løkke Anders
Published: October 2019

Background and objectives

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a rare disease, which can lead to premature death. Few studies have investigated HP on a national level. The objective of this study was to investigate incidence, survival rate, and comorbidity of HP in Denmark.

Methods

Using the Danish National Patient Registry we identified all patients with a first-time diagnosis of HP between 1998 and 2010. Patients with HP were matched 1:4 with controls by sex, age and geography in this case-control study. Comorbidity 3 years prior to diagnosis was explored by the Charlson score index. Survival rates were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and hazard ratios.

Results

We identified 753 patients during the observation period equalling an average HP incidence of 1.16 per 100 000 citizens. Patients with HP had a significantly higher Charlson score index when compared with the matched controls and an increased risk of dying (hazard ratio 1.98, CI 1.61–2.58,se0.14, p<0.001). Survival rates of HP were lower at all time points when compared with the matched control population. The decline in survival was observed for both male and female patients with HP with no clear sex difference. Most deaths were related to diseases of the heart and lungs.

Conclusions

In this Danish longitudinal nationwide observational study we found an increased Charlson score index combined with a higher mortality without sex difference among patients with HP compared with a healthy control group, mainly due to diseases of the heart and lungs.
Atypical presentation of Lemierre’s syndrome: case report and literature review
Authors: Laurencet Marie-Eva , Rosset--Zufferey Sarah , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: October 2019

Background

The classic Lemierre’s syndrome refers to a septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, usually caused by a Fusobacterium necrophorum infection starting in the oral cavity, and typically complicated by pulmonary emboli. However, unusual forms of the disorder have been rarely reported.

Case presentation

We describe an unusual case of a previously healthy 58-year-old male with Lemierre’s syndrome, manifesting with lumbar pain and fever. A thrombosis of the iliac veins and abscesses in the right iliac and the left psoas muscles was diagnosed by a computed tomography scan, together with a right lung pneumonia complicated by pleural effusion and an L4-L5 spondylodiscitis. Blood culture and pus drainage were positive for Fusobacterium nucleatum and an atypical Lemierre’s syndrome was suspected. The patient was treated with anticoagulant therapy for 12 weeks and intravenous antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks with a good evolution and resolution of the thrombosis.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the thrombogenic and thromboembolic tendency of Fusobacterium nucleatum and its potential invasiveness, regardless of the site of primary infection. The concept of an atypical Lemierre’s syndrome is redefined here to take into consideration non-cervical sites.
Correlation between immune-related adverse events and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer treated with nivolumab
Authors: Masuda Ken , Shoji Hirokazu , Nagashima Kengo , Yamamoto Shun , Ishikawa Masashi , Imazeki Hiroshi , Aoki Masahiko , Miyamoto Takahiro , Hirano Hidekazu , Honma Yoshitaka , Iwasa Satoru , Okita Natsuko , Takashima Atsuo , Kato Ken , Boku Narikazu
Published: October 2019

Background

Recent studies have shown that immune-related adverse events (irAEs) caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors were associated with clinical benefit in patients with melanoma or lung cancer. In advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients, there have been few reports about the correlation between irAEs and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the correlation between irAEs and efficacy in AGC patients treated with nivolumab.

Methods

The subjects of this study were AGC patients received nivolumab monotherapy between January 2015 and August 2018. IrAEs were defined as those AEs having a potential immunological basis that required close follow-up, or immunosuppressive therapy and/or endocrine therapy. We divided the patients who received nivolumab into two groups based on occurrence of irAEs; those with irAEs (irAE group) or those without (non-irAE group). We assessed the efficacy in both groups.

Results

Of the 65 AGC patients that received nivolumab monotherapy, 14 developed irAEs. The median time to onset of irAEs was 30.5 days (range 3–407 days). Median follow-up period for survivors was 32 months (95% CI, 10.8 to 34.5). The median progression-free survival was 7.5 months (95% CI, 3.6 to 11.5) in the irAE group and 1.4 months (95% CI, 1.2 to 1.6) in the non-irAE group (HR = 0.11,p < 0.001). The median overall survival was 16.8 months (95% CI, 4.4 to not reached) in the irAE group and 3.2 months (95% CI, 2.2 to 4.1) in the non-irAE group (HR = 0.17,p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that number of metastatic sites ≥2 (HR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.54), high ALP level (HR = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.27 to 4.54), and absence of irAEs (HR = 9.54, 95% CI, 3.34 to 27.30 for yes vs. no) were associated with a poor prognosis. The most frequent irAEs was diarrhea/colitis (n = 5). Grade 3 adverse events were observed in 6 patients; hyperglycemia (n = 2), diarrhea/colitis (n = 1), adrenal insufficiency (n = 1), aspartate aminotransferase increased (n = 1), peripheral motor neuropathy (n = 1). There were no grade 4 or 5 adverse events related to nivolumab.

Conclusions

Development of irAEs was associated with clinical benefit for AGC patients receiving nivolumab monotherapy.
Health-related quality of life in adults undergoing transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defect
Authors: Sun Kai-Peng , Chen Qiang , Hong Zhi-Nuan , Huang Jiang-Shan , Cao Hua
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adult patients who underwent transthoracic device closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Methods

During the perioperative and postoperative period, a standard scale involving eight dimensions was used to analyze the HRQoL of 85 adult patients who underwent thoracic device closure of VSD and 80 healthy adults located locally were randomly selected as the control group in our center.

Results

A total of 80 patients’ and 80 healthy adults’ questionnaires were received with complete feedback. Out of all of the items that were investigated, postoperative patients experienced better feelings in some dimensions than the control group. Postoperative feedback was also better than preoperative feedback in some dimensions. In the comparison of the subgroups of these patients, the scores of the elderly were lower than those of the young in most dimensions. Males had more positive feedback in two aspects (“role-physical” (p = 0.01) and “vitality” (p = 0.003)), whereas unmarried people seemed to have poor emotional responses (“role-emotional” (p < 0.01) and “vitality” (p = 0.023)). There was no significant difference in any dimensions except “social functioning” (p < 0.01) between people with different levels of education.

Conclusions

Most of the adult patients who underwent thoracic closure of VSD felt that they could lead a normal life. They seemed to have reasonably normal psychosocial responses compared to healthy controls. Many patients even though their HRQoL was better than healthy individuals.