bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality Risk Following Application of a Paclitaxel-Coated Stent in Femoropopliteal Lesions
Authors: Katsuki Tomonori , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Soga Yoshimitsu , Okamoto Shin , Iida Osamu , Fujihara Masahiko , Kawasaki Daizo , Ando Kenji
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

To examine if endovascular therapy (EVT) with paclitaxel-coated stents increases the mortality risk in patients with symptomatic lower limb peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of paclitaxel-coated stent use in the femoropopliteal segment of 1535 symptomatic (Rutherford category 2 to 4) patients treated between January 2010 and December 2016 at 4 hospitals in Japan. The risk of all-cause mortality was examined between the 285 patients (mean age 73±8 years; 213 men) treated with a paclitaxel-coated stent (PTX-coated group) and 1250 patients (mean age 73±9 years; 872 men) not exposed to a paclitaxel-coated device (PTX-free group) during EVT. Propensity score matching was employed to balance baseline characteristics. Cox proportional hazards models stratified on the quintiles of the propensity score were used to investigate paclitaxel-coated stent use and mortality risk as well as interactions among baseline variables and the main outcome. Interactions between a PXT-coated stent and subgroups of the PTX-free group (bare stent and angioplasty) were also investigated, as was the impact of paclitaxel dose on mortality risk. The results of regression analysis are reported as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

The 3-year overall survival estimates were 86.4% in the PTX-coated group vs 87.7% in the PTX-free group; the corresponding 5-year estimates were 77.5% vs 73.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the 2 groups (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.19, p=0.41). The cause of death also showed no remarkable difference between the groups. Chronic renal failure (p=0.044) and arterial calcification (p=0.022) demonstrated a significant interaction effect on the association of the use of a PTX-coated stent with all-cause mortality. No subgroup demonstrated that the use of a paclitaxel-coated stent was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. A dose dependency was not evident.

Conclusion:

Mortality risk following application of a PTX-coated stent did not increase over 5 years, irrespective of the dose. A PTX-coated stent for femoropopliteal lesions in PAD patients is a safe treatment option.
“What Else about Our Reality Is Actually a Disorder?” Mental Illness as Crisis of Reality in FX’s Legion
Authors: Sibielski Rosalind
Published: August 2019

This essay examines the ways in which the FX TV series Legion uses mental illness as a metaphor through which to consider the nature of reality. It suggests that, in doing so, Legion not only reproduces stereotypical representational tropes that position madness as shorthand for villainy, but it also follows in the tradition of puzzle narratives that use mental illness to tease plot twists based on the protagonist’s inability to differentiate between delusion and reality. Finally, it examines the tendency in both Legion and other puzzle narratives to employ subjective narration techniques to simulate the perceptual experience of madness for viewers as a central component of the entertainment that they offer.
Gpn3 Is Essential for Cell Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells Independent of Their Malignancy Degree
Authors: Lara-Chacón Bárbara , Guerrero-Rodríguez Sandra L. , Ramírez-Hernández Karla J. , Robledo-Rivera Angélica Yamilett , Velazquez Marco Antonio Velasco , Sánchez-Olea Roberto , Calera Mónica Raquel
Published: August 2019

Successful therapies for patients with breast cancer often lose their initial effectiveness. Thus, identifying new molecular targets is a constant goal in the fight against breast cancer. Gpn3 is a protein required for RNA polymerase II nuclear targeting in both yeast and human cells. We investigated here the effect of suppressing Gpn3 expression on cell proliferation in a progression series of isogenic cell lines derived from the nontumorigenic MCF-10A breast cells that recapitulate different stages of breast carcinogenesis. Gpn3 protein levels were comparable in all malignant derivatives of the nontumorigenic MCF-10A cells. shRNA-mediated inhibition of Gpn3 expression markedly decreased cell proliferation in all MCF-10A sublines. A fraction of the largest RNA polymerase II subunit Rpb1 was retained in the cytoplasm, but most Rpb1 remained nuclear after suppressing Gpn3 in all cell lines studied. Long-term proliferation experiments in cells with suppressed Gpn3 expression resulted in the eventual loss of all isogenic cell lines but MCF-10CA1d.cl1. In MCF-10CA1d.cl1 cells, Gpn3 knockdown reduced the proliferation of breast cancer stem cells as evaluated by mammosphere assays. After the identification that Gpn3 plays a key role in cell proliferation in mammary epithelial cells independent of the degree of transformation, we also analyzed the importance of Gpn3 in other human breast cancer cell lines from different subtypes. Gpn3 was also required for cell proliferation and nuclear translocation of RNA polymerase II in such cellular models. Altogether, our results show that Gpn3 is essential for breast cancer cell proliferation regardless of the transformation level, indicating that Gpn3 could be considered a molecular target for the development of new antiproliferative therapies. Importantly, our analysis of public data revealed that Gpn3 overexpression was associated with a significant decrease in overall survival in patients with estrogen receptor-positive and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+) breast cancer, supporting our proposal that targeting Gpn3 could potentially benefit patients with breast cancer.
Endovascular Management of Massive Hemoptysis Secondary to Systemic Collaterals in Previously Treated Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Gorsi Ujjwal , Bansal Akash , Jugpal Tejeshwar Singh , Chaluvashetty Sreedhara Bettadahally , Sandhu Manavjit Singh
Published: August 2019

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal connections between pulmonary artery and vein through a thin-walled aneurysmal sac, leading to a right-to-left shunt. These are commonly associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, and treatment guidelines have been set on how to approach their management. Incorrect proximal placement of an embolization device can lead to delayed recruitment of systemic collaterals leading to presentation with hemoptysis. We are presenting a case of a 17-year-old male with treated PAVMs and with fresh hemoptysis. In this case report, we attempt to explain the management of such a complication and follow the principles of arteriovenous malformation embolization on the left side.
Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Improves Over the First 12 Weeks Poststroke
Authors: Waddell Kimberly J. , Strube Michael J , Tabak Rachel G. , Haire-Joshu Debra , Lang Catherine E.
Published: August 2019

Background. Upper limb (UL) performance, or use, in daily life is complex and likely influenced by many factors. While the recovery trajectory of UL impairment poststroke is well documented, little is known about the recovery trajectory of sensor-measured UL performance in daily life early after stroke and the potential moderating role of psychosocial factors. Objective. To examine the recovery trajectory of UL performance within the first 12 weeks poststroke and characterize the potential moderating role of belief, confidence, and motivation on UL performance. Methods. This was a longitudinal, prospective cohort study quantifying UL performance and related psychosocial factors early after stroke. UL performance was quantified via bilateral, wrist-worn accelerometers over 5 assessment sessions for 24 hours. Belief, confidence, and motivation to use the paretic UL, and self-perceived barriers to UL recovery were quantified via survey. Change in 4 accelerometer variables and the moderating role of psychosocial factors was tested using hierarchical linear modeling. The relationship between self-perceived barriers and UL performance was tested via Spearman rank-order correlation analysis. Results. UL performance improved over the first 12 weeks after stroke. Belief, confidence, and motivation did not moderate UL performance over time. There was a negative relationship between UL performance and self-perceived barriers to UL recovery at week 2, which declined over time. Conclusions. Sensor-measured UL performance can improve early after stroke. Early after stroke, rehabilitation interventions may not need to directly target belief, confidence, and motivation but may instead focus on reducing self-perceived barriers to UL recovery.
Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair Followed by Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication With EsophyX Device (HH + TIF): Efficacy and Safety in Two Community Hospitals
Authors: Janu Peter , Shughoury Ahmad Bassel , Venkat Kumar , Hurwich Daniel , Galouzis Tom , Siatras James , Streeter Dennis , Korman Kathleen , Mavrelis George , Mavrelis Peter
Published: August 2019

The TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) 2.0 procedure is indicated for patients with a hiatal hernia less than 2 cm. Many patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) require hiatal hernia repair. This study examined the safety and efficacy when repairing defects in 2 anatomical structures (hiatus and lower esophageal sphincter) in a concomitant set of procedures in patients with hiatal hernias between 2 and 5 cm. Methods. Prospective data were collected from 99 patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair followed immediately by the TIF procedure (HH + -TIF). GERD-HRQL (Health-Related Quality of Life), RSI (Reflux Symptom Index), and GERSS (Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptom Score) questionnaires were administered before the procedure and mailed at 6 and 12 months. Results. Ninety-nine patients were enrolled, and all were symptomatic on PPI medications with hiatal hernias between 2 and 5 cm. Overall baseline GERD-HRQL scores indicated daily bothersome symptoms. At 12-month follow-up, median GERD-HRQL scores improved by 17 points, indicating that subjects had no bothersome symptoms. The median GERSS scores decreased from 25.0 at baseline to 1.0 and 90% of subjects reported having effective symptom control (score <18) at 12 months. Seventy-seven percent of subjects reported effective control of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms at 12 months with an RSI score of 13 or less. At 12 months, 74% of subjects reported that they were not using proton pump inhibitors. All measures were statistically improved at P < .05. There were no adverse effects reported. Conclusion. HH + TIF provides significant symptom control for heartburn and regurgitation with no long-term dysphagia or gas bloat normally associated with traditional antireflux procedures. Most patients reported durable symptom control and satisfaction with health condition at 12 months.
Simulation of a Right Anterior Thoracotomy Access for Aortic Valve Replacement Using a 3D Printed Model
Authors: Wamala Isaac , Brüning Jan , Dittmann Johannes , Jerichow Samuel , Weinhold Joachim , Goubergritis Leonid , Hennemuth Anja , Falk Volkmar , Kempfert Jörg
Published: August 2019

Objective

The right anterior lateral thoracotomy (RALT) approach for aortic valve replacement provides excellent outcomes in expert hands while avoiding sternal disruption. It, however, remains a technically demanding niche operation. Instrument trajectories via this access are influenced by patient anatomy, the intercostal space chosen, and surgical retraction maneuvers.

Methods

To simulate the typical surgical maneuvers, on an anatomically accurate model, and to measure the instrument trajectories, we generated a 3-dimensional (3D) printed model of the heart and chest cavity. A simulated approach to the base of the right coronary sinus via the medial-second intercostal, the lateral-second intercostal, or third intercostal space was made. Keeping the instrument in place, 3D scans of the models and geometrical measurements of the instrument trajectories were performed.

Results

The 3D scans of the 3D printed model showed a high fidelity when compared to the original computed tomographic scan image geometry (mean deviation of 1.26 ± 1.27mm). The instrument intrathoracic distance was 75 mm via the medial-second, 115 mm via the lateral-second, and 80 mm via the third intercostal space. The 3D angulation of the instrument to the incision was 33.77o, 55.93o, and 38.4o respectively. The distance of the instrument to the lateral margin was 12, 26, and 5 mm respectively. The cranial margin of the incision was always a limiting margin for the instrument.

Conclusions

Three-dimensional printing and 3D scanning facilitated a realistic simulation of the instrument trajectory during RALT approach. The lateral-second intercostal approach showed the most favorable approach angle and distance from the lateral margin, although it also had the longest intrathoracic distance.
The role of staple fiber length on the performance of carded, hydroentangled nonwovens produced with polypropylene fibers
Authors: Tabor Jordan , Wust Carl , Pourdeyhimi Behnam
Published: August 2019

Carding is a common web-forming process used for staple fibers in the nonwovens industry. Staple fibers may be produced in many different lengths. However, the effect of staple fiber length on the nonwoven carding process and structure–property relationships of carded, hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics is not well understood. During this research, polypropylene fibers with lengths ranging from 2.54 to 15.24 cm were produced, carded, and bonded by hydroentangling. All fiber lengths used during this research were successfully carded. Fabrics were characterized via scanning electron microscopy analysis as well as basis weight, thickness, and solid volume fraction measurements. Fabric performance was evaluated with air permeability and burst strength testing. Data sets were statistically evaluated with one-way and two-way analysis of variance to determine whether fiber length significantly affected fabric structure and properties. In general, the fabrics’ solid volume fractions and burst strengths were not significantly affected by fiber length. However, air permeability of the samples did show significant change with fiber length.
Differential expression of mGluRs in rat spinal dorsal horns and their modulatory effects on nocifensive behaviors
Authors: Okubo Masamichi , Yamanaka Hiroki , Kobayashi Kimiko , Noguchi Koichi
Published: August 2019

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter present in most excitatory synapses in the nervous system. It also plays a key role in the spinal cord’s physiological excitatory circuit and is involved in pathological neurotransmissions such as those observed in inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions. The actions of glutamate are mediated by different types of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Although expressions of iGluRs are well studied, those of mGluRs are not fully elucidated in the spinal cord. In this study, we examined the expressions of mGluRs (mGluR1-8) and investigated which mGluR subtypes can modulate pain transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord using an inflammatory pain model. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that mGluR mRNAs, except for mGluR2 and 6, were detected in the spinal cord. Double labeling analysis, in situ hybridization histochemistry with immunohistochemistry, was used to examine the distribution of each mGluR in neurons or glial cells in the lamina I–II of the spinal dorsal horn. mGluR1, 5, and 7 were generally, and 4 and 8 were frequently, expressed in neurons. mGluR3 was expressed not only in neurons but also in oligodendrocytes. We next examined the distribution of mGluR4 and 8 were expressed in excitatory or inhibitory neurons. Both mGluR4 and 8 were preferentially expressed in inhibitory neurons rather than in excitatory neurons. Furthermore, intrathecal delivery of CPPG(( RS)-α-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine), an antagonist for mGluR 4 and 8, attenuated nocifensive behaviors and the increase in fos-positive-excitatory neurons of the dorsal horn induced by intraplantar injection of formalin. These findings suggest that mGluR4 and 8, which are preferentially expressed in inhibitory neurons, may play roles in the modulation of pain transmission in the spinal dorsal horn.
Non-symbolic numerosities do not automatically activate spatial–numerical associations: Evidence from the SNARC effect
Authors: Cleland Alexandra A , Corsico Kathryn , White Kirstin , Bull Rebecca
Published: August 2019

The SNARC (spatial–numerical association of response codes) effect is the finding that people are generally faster to respond to smaller numbers with left-sided responses and larger numbers with right-sided responses. The SNARC effect has been widely reported for responses to symbolic representations of number such as digits. However, there is mixed evidence as to whether it occurs for non-symbolic representations of number, particularly when magnitude is irrelevant to the task. Mitchell et al. reported a SNARC effect when participants were asked to make orientation decisions to arrays of one-to-nine triangles (pointing upwards vs. pointing downwards) and concluded that SNARC effects occur for non-symbolic, non-canonical representations of number. They additionally reported that this effect was stronger in the subitising range. However, here we report four experiments that do not replicate either of these findings. Participants made upwards/inverted decisions to one-to-nine triangles where total surface area was either controlled across numerosities (Experiments 1, 2, and 4) or increased congruently with numerosity (Experiment 3). There was no evidence of a SNARC effect either across the full range or within the subset of the subitising range. The results of Experiment 4 (in which we presented the original stimuli of Mitchell et al.) suggested that visual properties of non-symbolic displays can prompt SNARC-like effects driven by visual cues rather than numerosity. Taken in the context of other recent findings, we argue that non-symbolic representations of number do not offer a direct and automatic route to numerical–spatial associations.
Bimetallic DppfM(II) (M = Pt and Pd) dithiocarbamate complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity
Authors: Xu Shou De , Wu Xiang Hua
Published: August 2019

A series of bimetallic dppfM(II) (dppf = 1,1’-bis (diphenyphosphino) ferrocene; M = Pt and Pd) dithiocarbamate complexes is synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their antitumor activities in vitro are investigated by MTT assays against four cancer cell lines. The anticancer studies indicate most of the complexes display good to excellent antitumor activity. Remarkably, the platinum complex with a pyrrolidinyl substituent (3b) was identified as the most promising candidate due to its high potency and broad spectrum of activity.
Understanding processes of criminalisation: Insights from an Australian study of criminal law-making
Authors: McNamara Luke , Quilter Julia , Hogg Russell , Loughnan Arlie , Douglas Heather , Brown David , Farmer Lindsay
Published: August 2019

Criminalisation theory scholars have examined important questions regarding what behaviours should be criminalised and why. More recently, greater attention has been paid to linking normative accounts with empirical and historicised analyses of criminalisation practices. Building on recent work on modalities of criminalisation as a methodological tool for contextual criminalisation research, this article introduces a second analytical approach for better understanding how criminal laws are made: processes of criminalisation. We discuss the findings of a pilot study of 143 criminal law statutes enacted in three Australian jurisdictions (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria) from 2012–2017. We conclude that a processes approach supports a nuanced appreciation of the conditions under which criminal law statutes are produced, and facilitates scrutiny of whether legislative enactments are evidence-based and a product of meaningful consultation and genuine democratic participation in law-making.
Carpal tunnel decompression in patients with normal nerve conduction studies
Authors: Mackenzie Samuel P. , Stone Oliver D. , Jenkins Paul J. , Clement Nicholas D. , Murray Iain R. , Duckworth Andrew D. , McEachan Jane E.
Published: August 2019

Some patients present with typical clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome despite normal nerve conduction studies. This study compared the preoperative and 1-year postoperative QuickDASH scores in patients with normal and abnormal nerve conduction studies, who underwent carpal tunnel decompression. Of the 637 patients included in the study, 19 had clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome but normal nerve conduction studies, and underwent decompression after failure of conservative management. Preoperative QuickDASH scores were comparable in both groups (58 vs 54.8). However, there were significant differences between the normal and abnormal nerve conduction study groups in the QuickDASH at 1 year (34.9 vs 21.5) and change in QuickDASH postoperatively (23.1 vs 33.4). Patients with normal nerve conduction studies had comparable preoperative disability scores compared with those with abnormal studies. Although they had a significant improvement in QuickDASH at 1 year, this was significantly less than those with abnormal nerve conduction studies.

Level of evidence: III
Taking a closer look at gender-transformative health promotion programming as a vehicle for addressing gender-based inequities in health and care
Authors: Horgan Salinda Anne , Chen Shu-Ping , Tuininga Trevor , Stuart Heather
Published: August 2019

Gender-transformative health promotion addresses the reciprocal transactions between the socio-cultural contexts that shape gender-based values and the gender-normative behaviors and health experiences of individuals. A scoping review was conducted to (a) highlight how, when and under what circumstances gender-transformative health promotion is applied in practice, and (b) critically assess the operationalization of gender-transformative health promotion principles in practice to develop a clearer understanding of potential barriers (both conceptual and practical) that may detract from the broader employment of gender-transformative health promotion as a mainstream programming approach. Specific recommendations, based on the findings of this review, are made in an effort to further the operationalization of gender-transformative health promotion as a mainstream health promotion approach, globally.
The Resurgence of Ideology in Indonesia: Political Islam, Aliran and Political Behaviour
Authors: Fossati Diego
Published: August 2019

The 2019 Indonesian presidential elections indicate that ideology played an important role in voting behaviour, as aggregate subnational results seem to mirror the mid-1950s, when Indonesian politics was organised around ideological and partisan groups known as aliran. However, the extent to which these macro-level patterns are rooted in real ideological divisions among Indonesian voters is an open question. This article analyses an original survey specifically designed to measure aliran identities, ideological orientations and political preferences of ordinary Indonesians. Findings indicate that aliran identities are still present and associated with party choice but only loosely connected with political ideology. Most notably, however, political Islam is associated with important political attitudes and behaviours. Islamist Indonesians are less likely to support liberal understandings of democracy, more likely to see economic issues as policy priorities and more likely to support economic redistribution and regional autonomy. This suggests that ideology should receive greater attention in the study of Indonesian politics.
Repetitive Head Impacts in Youth Football: Description and Relationship to White Matter Structure
Authors: Nilsson Kurt J. , Flint Hilary G. , Gao Yong , Kendrick Leslie , Cutchin Steve , Pentecost Ryoko , Pardue Kristi
Published: August 2019

Background:

Few studies have examined white matter with diffusion tensor imaging in 8- to 12-year-old collision sport (CS) athletes.

Hypothesis:

Youth CS athletes will demonstrate change in brain fractional anisotropy (FA) after a season of CS compared with an age-matched noncollision sport (NCS) cohort, and the number, magnitude, and location of hits will correlate with changes in the brain determined via FA for CS athletes.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Thirty-five 8- to 12-year-old males in a youth tackle football league (CS) and 12 males from local swim teams (NCS) were recruited. Participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging with FA before and after the football season. Number, magnitude, and direction of head impacts were recorded for CS participants throughout the season.

Results:

A total of 1905 hits were recorded in the CS group for the season, 341 (17.9%) collected during 7 games and 1564 (82.1%) observed during 31 practices. No significant interaction between group (CS and NCS) and time (pre- and postseason) was observed for FA ( P > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a significantly positive and moderate relationship between increase of left cingulate cortex (CgC) FA from pre- to postseason and the total magnitude of lateral head impacts ( r = 0.40; P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

There was no significant change in FA measurement of white matter integrity in a cohort of 8- to 12-year-old males after a season of youth football, nor was any difference detected in FA between youth football players and an age-matched cohort of swimmers. There was a significant correlation between total magnitude of hits sustained by youth football players and an increase in FA in the left CgC; whether this is adaptive or pathologic remains unknown.

Clinical Relevance:

These data can be used within the body of knowledge to counsel patients regarding the known risks of youth tackle football regarding brain health.
Demographics in Patients Receiving Matrix-Assisted Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) in the Ankle
Authors: Hede Kris T. C. , Gomoll Andreas H. , Foldager Casper Bindzus
Published: August 2019

Objective. To compare demographics and cartilage lesion characteristics of patients enrolled in clinical trials investigating autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in the ankle joint with those actually scheduled for matrix-assisted chondrocyte implantation (MACI) using database records. Design. Anonymized data from patients scheduled for MACI treatment in the ankle in Australia/Asia and Europe were obtained from the Genzyme/Sanofi database. Average age, defect size, and male-female ratio were analyzed and compared by country. A literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar and clinical cohort studies and prospective comparative trials using ACI and related treatments in the ankle joint were identified. Weighted average age, weighted defect size, and male-female ratio were analyzed and compared with database data. Results. The 167 patients included from the databases from Europe and Australia had a mean age of 33.4 years (range 14-64 years) and a mean defect size of 2.27 cm2 (range 0.25-16 cm2). Male-female ratio was 4:3. Patients from European countries were significantly younger and had significantly larger defects compared with patients from Australia. From the literature search a total of 472 patients were included from 28 studies. The mean age was 32.2 years (range 15-62 years). Male-female ratio was 3:2. Weighted mean size was 1.94cm2 (range 0.3-16). There were no significant differences between previous studies and databases. Conclusion. No differences in sizes and age were found between patients enrolled in clinical trials and patients scheduled for MACI outside clinical trials. The sizes of treated defects followed the general recommendations. There were, however, significant differences between countries.
System Justification Enhances Life Satisfaction of High- and Low-Status People in China
Authors: Li Wenqi , Wu Junhui , Kou Yu
Published: August 2019

Across three studies, we examine whether system justification enhances psychological well-being among members of both advantaged and disadvantaged groups. In addition, we test the novel hypothesis that perceived individual upward mobility explains this positive effect of system justification. We address these issues by focusing on system justification and life satisfaction among individuals with high and low social class in China, an understudied non-Western society. Findings suggest that system justification positively predicts both high-class and low-class individuals’ life satisfaction, and this result holds for both adults (Study 1, N = 10,196) and adolescents (Study 2, N = 4,037). Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate that system justification has a causal effect on life satisfaction through an increased level of perceived individual upward mobility (Study 3, N = 172). These findings help explain why people, especially those from lower social class, are willing to justify the status quo.
Heuristics and Public Policy: Decision-making Under Bounded Rationality
Authors: Dhami Sanjit , al-Nowaihi Ali , Sunstein Cass R.
Published: August 2019

How do human beings make decisions when, as the evidence indicates, the assumptions of the Bayesian rationality approach in economics do not hold? Do human beings optimize, or can they? Several decades of research have shown that people possess a toolkit of heuristics to make decisions under certainty, risk, subjective uncertainty, and true uncertainty (or Knightian uncertainty). We outline recent advances in knowledge about the use of heuristics and departures from Bayesian rationality, with particular emphasis on growing formalization of those departures, which add necessary precision. We also explore the relationship between bounded rationality and libertarian paternalism, or nudges, and show that some recent objections, founded on psychological work on the usefulness of certain heuristics, are based on serious misunderstandings.

JEL classifications: D01, D04, D81, D9
A Novel, Fast, Safe, and Effective All-Inside Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Technique: Results of 1000 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Elkins Ashleigh , Lam Patrick H. , Murrell George A.C.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a common but technically difficult surgical technique. This study describes a novel arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique where the repair was performed while visualized entirely from the glenohumeral joint. A single-row knotless tension band inverted mattress suture technique was utilized with fixation obtained via suture anchors. The technique was relatively easy to perform and demonstrated good repair strength and footprint compression in an ex vivo ovine model.

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in 1000 consecutive patients.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in 1000 consecutive patients. Included patients underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by a single surgeon performing the undersurface repair technique and attended 6-month follow-up with ultrasound evaluation to determine repair integrity. Exclusion criteria were irreparable tears, incomplete repairs, tendon reconstruction with a synthetic patch, and revision cases.

Results:

The only complication was retear. The overall retear rate at 6 months following repair with the undersurface technique was 8.5%. The mean ± SEM operative time for the technique was 16 ± 0.3 minutes (range, 4-75 minutes). There were no infections. Smaller tears were repaired faster and had better healing rates.

Conclusion:

The novel all-inside arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique was safe and significantly faster and provided better healing rates than other repair techniques. The retear rate of 8.5% is, to the authors’ knowledge, the lowest reported rotator cuff retear rate in a large cohort of patients based on a single technique.
Association of Upper Extremity Pain With Softball Pitching Kinematics and Kinetics
Authors: Oliver Gretchen D. , Friesen Kenzie , Barfield Jeff W. , Giordano Kevin , Anz Adam , Dugas Jeff , Andrews James
Published: August 2019

Background:

There is a paucity of research regarding the relationship between fastpitch softball pitching mechanics and reported pain. Thus, understanding the pitching mechanics of athletes pitching with upper extremity pain and those pain free is paramount.

Purpose:

To examine lower extremity pitching mechanics, upper extremity kinetics, and upper extremity pain in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I female softball pitchers.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 37 NCAA Division I female softball pitchers (mean age, 19.84 ± 1.28 years; mean height, 173.67 ± 7.77 cm; mean weight, 78.98 ± 12.40 kg) from across the United States were recruited to participate. Participants were divided into 2 groups: upper extremity pain (n = 13; mean age, 19.69 ± 1.18 years; mean height, 172.60 ± 11.49 cm; mean weight, 86.75 ± 13.02 kg) and pain free (n = 24; mean age, 19.91 ± 1.35 years; mean height, 174.26 ± 4.96 cm; mean weight, 74.78 ± 9.97 kg). An electromagnetic tracking system was used to obtain kinematic and kinetic data during the riseball softball pitch.

Results:

At foot contact ( F 3,33 = 7.01, P = .001), backward elimination regression revealed that stride length, trunk rotation, and center of mass (COM) significantly explained about 33% of variance with softball pitchers experiencing upper extremity pain (adjusted R 2 = 0.33).

Conclusion:

At foot contact, the kinematic variables of increased trunk rotation toward the pitching arm side, increased stride length, and a posteriorly shifted COM were associated with upper extremity pain in collegiate softball pitchers. Variables early in the pitching motion that do not set a working and constructive proximal kinetic chain foundation for the rest of the pitch to follow could be associated with breakdowns more distal in the kinetic chain, possibly increasing the susceptibility to upper extremity pain.

Clinical Relevance:

The identification of pitching mechanics associated with pain allows clinicians to develop exercises to avoid such mechanics. Avoiding mechanics associated with pain may help reduce the prevalence of pain in windmill softball pitchers as well as help coaches incorporate quantitative biomechanics into their instruction.
Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Imbrication for Patellar Instability Due to Trochlear Dysplasia
Authors: Hodax Jonathan D. , Leathers Michael P. , Ding David Y. , Feeley Brian T. , Allen Christina R. , Ma C. Benjamin , Zhang Alan L.
Published: August 2019

Background:

The treatment of patellar instability in the setting of trochlear dysplasia is challenging.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes for the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocations due to trochlear dysplasia using anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy combined with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) imbrication. We hypothesized that the treatment of patellar instability with tibial tubercle osteotomy and MPFL imbrication would result in improved patient satisfaction and decrease patellar instability events in patients with prior instability and trochlear dysplasia.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent MPFL imbrication and concomitant anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy for recurrent patellofemoral instability at a single institution. The minimum follow-up was 1 year. Patient demographic information including age at the time of surgery, sex, body mass index (BMI), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and grade of trochlear dysplasia was collected along with relevant operative data. Postoperatively, recurrent dislocation events as well as Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Kujala scores were collected, and satisfaction was ascertained by asking patients whether they would undergo the procedure again.

Results:

A total of 37 knees from 31 patients (23 female) with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (range, 1-8.9 years) were included. The mean patient age was 28.8 years (range, 14-45 years), the mean BMI was 24 kg/m2 (range, 20-38 kg/m2), and the mean preoperative TT-TG distance was 18.9 mm (range, 8.4-32.4 mm). Two knees were classified as low-grade trochlear dysplasia (Dejour A) and 35 as high-grade trochlear dysplasia (Dejour B-D). At final follow-up, patients reported mean KOOS subscale scores of 86.5 (Pain), 79.8 (Symptoms), 93.9 (Activities of Daily Living), 74.3 (Sports/Recreation), and 61.9 (Quality of Life), as well as a mean Kujala score of 81.3. Mean patient satisfaction was 8.3 of 10. The majority of knees (86.5%; 32/37) remained stable without recurrent instability after this procedure, while 13.5% (5 knees) suffered a recurrent dislocation, with 2 requiring revision surgery. Eight knees (21.6%) underwent subsequent hardware removal.

Conclusion:

Anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy with MPFL imbrication can improve recurrent patellofemoral instability and provide significant clinical benefit to patients with trochlear dysplasia.
Writing Together: Reclaiming Dialogue Journals as a Mutually Humanizing Teaching Practice
Authors: Schwab Emily Rose
Published: August 2019

This article builds on the work of adult literacy scholars to explore how dialogue journals might be used to enact a mutually humanizing pedagogy within adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classrooms. The researcher extends the discussion of using dialogue journals to consider not only how they can be used to meet the ends of specific class and language learning goals but can be utilized by teachers and researchers as a humanizing practice in a context historically and contemporarily dominated by the dehumanizing of adult immigrants through popular and political discourse. Through a review of literature and data from a practitioner inquiry study, the researcher revisits research on dialogue journaling and offers a reclaiming of dialogue journals as a mutually humanizing practice, using the discussion to interrogate what humanizing practices look like in a contemporary adult ESOL classroom.
Metropolitan and rural areas fighting for the control of electricity networks in France. A local geopolitics approach to energy transition
Authors: Poupeau François-Mathieu
Published: August 2019

This article discusses political struggles between metropolitan and rural areas in France over the past 10 or so years, with regard to the control of public electricity distribution networks. In the context of energy transition, this infrastructure involves major stakes for local governments – stakes which are both financial (around 37 billion euros in assets, combined with several hundred million euros in royalties and various taxes) and related to public policy (planning, development of renewable energy sources and electro-mobility, smart cities, etc.). Its control is therefore a cause for many rivalries, as local authorities become more important players in the regulation of the energy sector. This paper presents these local geopolitical battles and shows how the action of metropolises is currently being obstructed by a very powerful rural lobby at local and national levels.
Inferring floor area ratio thresholds for the delineation of city centers based on cognitive perception
Authors: Wurm Michael , Goebel Jan , Wagner Gert G , Weigand Matthias , Dech Stefan , Taubenböck Hannes
Published: August 2019

The morphology of today’s cities is the result of historic urban developments and on-going urban transformation resulting in complex urban spatial structures. While functionally as well as spatially, cities are structured into sub-units such as the city center, business districts, residential areas, or industrial and commercial zones, their precise localization in the geographic space is sometimes difficult. City centers in particular are difficult to grasp because they stand for many different urban functions. Generally, they are characterized as areas of high densities, such as employment, population, or commerce, but also as areas of high structural densities. In past studies, various approaches, data, and cut-off values have been presented to separate city centers from the surrounding transition zones in geographical information systems based on density values. To overcome the difficulty in defining the right density threshold, the current study presents an approach which integrates the subjective perception of citizens on the urban spatial structure and relates it to the floor area ratio to delineate city centers to infer a characteristic density threshold. In a large empirical study of 67 monocentric cities in Germany, we observe a decreasing floor area ratio gradient toward the urban fringes. The result of the study reveals a relative threshold for city centers at around 30% of the density of the “central place.”
Intense Therapeutic Ultrasound for Pain Relief in the Treatment for Chronic Plantar Fasciopathy
Authors: Slayton Michael H. , Baravarian Bob , Amodei Richard C. , Compton Keegan B. , Christensen Dallin Neil , McNelly Ashley , Latt L. Daniel
Published: August 2019

Background:

Intense therapeutic ultrasound (ITU) is an innovative ultrasound-based therapy where sound waves are concentrated into select musculoskeletal tissue. These focused waves generate thermal coagula at a controlled depth and space while preserving surrounding tissues. A multicenter study was conducted evaluating the efficiency, safety, and patient tolerance of ITU for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis (CPF) pain.

Methods:

Seventy-four CPF patients, having failed conservative and/or minimally invasive treatment, participated in the study. Randomized participants either received 2 ITU treatments or 2 sham ITU treatments in addition to standard-of-care therapy. Plantar fascia pain was assessed pretreatment and at 4, 8, 12, and 26 weeks after treatment. Diagnostic ultrasonographic images were analyzed to examine hypoechoic, perifascial lesions whose volumes were calculated until week 12. Function and patient satisfaction were measured using self-reported outcome measures.

Results:

The treated group reported significant average pain reduction (–26%, –33%, –43%) and hypoechoic lesion volume (–33%, –53%, –68%) at weeks 4, 8, and 12 compared to baseline. Although the control/sham group reported insignificant pain changes at the same time points (–5%, +8%, and +2%) and increased hypoechoic lesion volume (+15%, +28%, +58%). Treated patients reported a significant increase in daily living activities (+28%, +42%, +47%, +40%) compared to the sham/control group (+0.12%, +12%, +3%, +21%). Patient satisfaction remained more than 80% at weeks 8, 12, and 26 for all treatment groups.

Conclusion:

ITU is an effective pain relief treatment for CPF, which is refractory to either conservative measures or minimally invasive treatments.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
Crisis, liminality and the decolonization of the social imaginary
Authors: Varvarousis Angelos
Published: August 2019

The decolonization of the social imaginary has been proposed as an important dimension of the transition towards a degrowth society. However, although omnipresent in the degrowth literature, the terms “social imaginary” and “social imaginary significations” have not been adequately explained. This creates a level of mystification that limits the analytical value of the degrowth framework. In addition, there is very little theoretical work on how actual social imaginaries can be decolonized and transformed. This paper first tries to clarify those concepts. Subsequently, it develops a theoretical framework for explaining such transitions of the imaginary. In developing this framework, the paper focuses on moments of crisis, since crises have been historically associated with change and transition. It argues that crises are important because they destabilize social imaginaries and open up a stage of suspension—a liminal stage—in which the rise of new social practices can facilitate the emergence of new social imaginary significations and institutions that can contribute to the alteration of the social imaginary at large. The paper draws on case studies related to the Greek crisis, the biggest ever faced by a country of the Global North after the Second World War.
The nowtopia of the riverbank: Elder environmental activism
Authors: Gearey Mary , Ravenscroft Neil
Published: August 2019

Degrowth imaginaries offer alternative ways of envisioning future societies. Those, predominantly working age and working class people, seeking to purposefully enact degrowth in the here and now are termed ‘nowtopians’. Based on empirical work undertaken along the River Adur valley in West Sussex, UK, this paper argues that dynamic examples of nowtopian initiatives can develop from alternative and overlooked demographics, such as rural community elders. Explored through a series of interlinking activist narratives, orientated around collective responses to changing riverbank environments, this paper argues that the genesis of this elder activism is a desire to re-assert agency in older age that can be linked to degrowth sensibilities. Contending with the new realities of living under ‘austerity localism’, many of these elders have undergone a personal, if not political, epiphany and have turned to forms of environmental activism to articulate their agency and demonstrate solidarity with fellow humans across generations. This paper argues that these elder nowtopians champion direct action, conviviality and living well. Ageing and place connectivity are the motivators which underpin one of the key nowtopian concepts: ‘redefining life's purpose’. Reflecting back, projecting forward, but operating in the ‘now’, these elders help us to consider a ‘politics’ of degrowth through grassroots activism along a rural river catchment.
The KDM4/JMJD2 histone demethylases are required for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance
Authors: Agger Karl , Nishimura Koutarou , Miyagi Satoru , Messling Jan-Erik , Rasmussen Kasper Dindler , Helin Kristian
Published: August 2019

KDM4 and JMJD2 are histone demethylases that are considered promising targets for treatment of MLL translocation–bearing acute myeloid leukemia. Agger and colleagues demonstrate an important role of KDM4 activity in long-term normal hematopoiesis that should be considered when contemplating the clinical use of long-term inhibition of KDM4 demethylase activity.
Comorbid and inflammatory characteristics of genetic subtypes of clonal hematopoiesis
Authors: Cook Elina K. , Izukawa Terumi , Young Sherylan , Rosen Gili , Jamali Mina , Zhang Liying , Johnson Dylan , Bain Eva , Hilland Jamie , Ferrone Christina K. , Buckstein Jonah , Francis Janika , Momtaz Bushra , McNaughton Amy J. M. , Liu Xudong , Snetsinger Brooke , Buckstein Rena , Rauh Michael J.
Published: August 2019

Key Points

CH may be associated with broader ill health (worse performance status, increased and potentially novel comorbidities). Serum interleukin-6 is elevated in people with CH and genetic subtypes, providing a view of the human systemic inflammatory landscape of CH.