bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Quality of Life in Those Receiving Home Care Services
Authors: Cubukcu Mahcube
Published: August 2018

This study aims to evaluate the impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life in those receiving home care services and the factors that influence this. This cross-descriptive study was performed in 180 patients who were served from Home Care Services between 01 and 28 February 2018. An International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was implemented in person to those who gave their informed consent with orientation and cooperation. The mean age of a 180 patients was 74.40 ± 7.80 years (min = 18, max = 104), of which 55.2% were women. The mean ICIQ-SF score was found to be 12.42 ± 4.83 (min = 0, max = 21). The lowest points were given as responses to the question, “In your opinion, what amount of leakage do you experience?” The highest points, however, were given to the question of “How much does urinary leakage interfere with your everyday life?” It was seen that when quality of life is assessed with a visual analog scale within the ICIQ-SF, the quality of life for 66.6% of elderly individuals was affected moderately or significantly. The mean ICIQ-SF scores were higher in those with chronic diseases ( p < .005). Urinary Incontinence negatively affects quality of life to a moderate and significant degree in those receiving home care. The quality of life for those who have chronic diseases was worse. In this respect, there is a need to support patients in those receiving home care services.
IWSHM 2017: Quantifying the benefit of structural health monitoring: what if the manager is not the owner?
Authors: Bolognani Denise , Verzobio Andrea , Tonelli Daniel , Cappello Carlo , Glisic Branko , Zonta Daniele , Quigley John
Published: August 2018

Only very recently our community has acknowledged that the benefit of structural health monitoring can be properly quantified using the concept of value of information ( VoI). The VoI is the difference between the utilities of operating the structure with and without the monitoring system. Typically, it is assumed that there is one decision-maker for all decisions, that is, deciding on both the investment on the monitoring system and the operation of the structure. The aim of this work is to formalize a rational method for quantifying the value of information when two different actors are involved in the decision chain: the manager, who makes decisions regarding the structure, based on monitoring data; and the owner, who chooses whether to install the monitoring system or not, before having access to these data. The two decision-makers, even if both rational and exposed to the same background information, may still act differently because of their different appetites for risk. To illustrate how this framework works, we evaluate a hypothetical VoI for the Streicker Bridge, a pedestrian bridge in Princeton University campus equipped with a fiber optic sensing system, assuming that two fictional characters, Malcolm and Ophelia, are involved: Malcolm is the manager who decides whether to keep the bridge open or close it following to an incident; Ophelia is the owner who decides whether to invest on a monitoring system to help Malcolm making the right decision. We demonstrate that when manager and owner are two different individuals, the benefit of monitoring could be greater or smaller than when all the decisions are made by the same individual. Under appropriate conditions, the monitoring VoI could even be negative, meaning that the owner is willing to pay to prevent the manager to use the monitoring system.
School-Year Grammatical Development in Narrative Retells: Spanish-English Dual Language Learners
Authors: Wofford Mary Claire , Wood Carla L.
Published: August 2018

Oral narrative retells are rich sources of information for language development. Investigators collected English-language oral narrative retells during the fall and spring from 65 Spanish-English-speaking dual language learners (DLL) in kindergarten and first grade. Investigators examined transcripts of oral narratives for (a) inclusion and accuracy of microstructural elements using the Narrative Assessment Protocol (NAP; Pence, Justice, & Gosse, 2007), (b) percentage of grammatical utterances, and (c) types of verb errors. Prepositional phrases, elaborated noun phrases, irregular past tense verbs, and copula verbs were the most prevalent grammatical forms. Omission errors were the most prevalent verb error type. DLLs’ narrative retells revealed significantly increased number of total NAP codes and diversity of NAP codes. Grammaticality of utterances increased from approximately 77% to 87% from fall to spring. All verb errors types decreased over the academic year. Direct feature coding approaches are useful for tracking developmental progress in DLLs’ retells.
A Distributed Collision-Free Data Aggregation Scheme for wireless sensor network
Authors: Qin Danyang , Zhang Yan , Ma Jingya , Ji Ping , Feng Pan
Published: August 2018

Due to the advantages of large-scale, data-centric and wide application, wireless sensor networks have been widely used in nowadays society. From the physical layer to the application layer, the multiply increasing information makes the data aggregation technology particularly important for wireless sensor network. Data aggregation technology can extract useful information from the network and reduce the network load, but will increase the network delay. The non-exchangeable feature of the battery of sensor nodes makes the researches on the battery power saving and lifetime extension be carried out extensively. Aiming at the delay problem caused by sleeping mechanism used for energy saving, a Distributed Collision-Free Data Aggregation Scheme is proposed in this article to make the network aggregate data without conflicts during the working states periodically changing so as to save the limited energy and reduce the network delay at the same time. Simulation results verify the better aggregating performance of Distributed Collision-Free Data Aggregation Scheme than other traditional data aggregation mechanisms.
Morbid Obesity Increases the Risk of Postoperative Wound Complications, Infection, and Repeat Surgical Procedures Following Upper Extremity Limb Salvage Surgery for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Griffin Anthony M. , Ferguson Peter C. , Wunder Jay S.
Published: August 2018

Background: Obesity is a known risk factor for wound complications; however, unlike elective upper extremity procedures, where obesity can be modified preoperatively, excision of soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) is not elective, and as such, obesity cannot be modified. There is a paucity of data concerning the impact of obesity on wound healing in upper extremity sarcoma surgery. Methods: A total of 261 (159 males and 102 females) patients with a STS of the upper extremity from 2006-2014 were reviewed. The mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 56 (18-97) years and 26.6 (15.4-40.8) kg/m2, respectively. Sixty-nine patients (26%) were classified as obese (BMI ⩾30 kg/m2): class I (obese, BMI = 30-34.9 kg/m2; n = 48, 18%), class II (severely obese, BMI = 35.0-39.9 kg/m2; n = 16, 6%), and class III (morbidly obese, BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2; n = 5, 2%). Functional outcomes were also compared between obese and nonobese patients using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) 1993 rating system and Toronto Extremity Salvage Scores (TESS). Results: Forty-nine patients (19%) sustained a wound dehiscence, delayed healing, or infection. Class III obesity increased the risk of wound complications (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.96-22.96, P < .001) and infection (HR = 10.09, 95% CI = 1.60-34.83, P = .01). There was no difference in the mean TESS (93 vs 90, P = .13) or MSTS93 (95 vs 93, P = .39) between obese and nonobese patients. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate morbid obesity significantly increased the risk of a postoperative wound complication and infection. However, following upper extremity limb salvage surgery, obese patients should expect to have excellent functional outcome.
Prediction model for bead reinforcement area in automatic gas metal arc welding
Authors: Shim Ji-Yeon , Zhang Jan-Wei , Yoon Han-Yong , Kang Bong-Yong , Kim Ill-Soo
Published: August 2018

Automatic welding systems are widely used for high-volume production industries, where the cost of related equipment is justified by the large number of pieces to be made. Detailed movement devices are required, including predetermined welding parameter sequences and timers, to form the weld joints. Automatic gas metal arc welding processes require new mathematical models to predict optimal welding parameters for a given bead geometry to accomplish the desired mechanical properties of the weldment. The developed algorithm should be able to be employed across a wide range of material thicknesses and all welding positions, and available in analytical form to be easily applied to the welding robot with high degree of confidence in predicting bead dimensions. Therefore, this study investigated welding voltage, arc current, welding speed, contact tube weld distance, and welding angle on bead reinforcement area for automated gas metal arc welding processes using a central composite design to generate response surface methodology and artificial neural network models. Average absolute deviation was used to compare accuracy between the two models. Analysis of variance showed coefficients of determination of 0.894 and 0.948 with average absolute deviation 4.01% and 3.11% for the response surface methodology and artificial neural network models, respectively. This suggests that artificial neural network is a better modeling technique for predicting bead reinforcement area compared to response surface methodology.
Modification of boundary condition for the optimization of natural frequencies of plate structures with fluid loading
Authors: Ou Dayi , Mak Cheuk Ming
Published: August 2018

A finite element method, boundary element method, and genetic algorithm combined method is developed for the optimization of natural frequencies of fluid-loaded plates. In this method, the coupled finite element method–boundary element method is used for the free flexural vibration analysis of plates with arbitrary fluid loading effects and arbitrary elastic boundary conditions, and the genetic algorithm method is combined with the finite element method–boundary element method for searching the optimal values of plate’s boundary parameters. By using this method, multiple natural frequencies of a given fluid-loaded plate can be optimized simultaneously to different target values. The coupled finite element method–boundary element method is first validated by comparing with earlier published results. The proposed optimization method is then applied to the optimal boundary condition design of four different cases. The results show natural frequencies of a fluid-loaded plate are sensitive to its boundary conditions. The possibility of optimizing the natural frequencies of a fluid-loaded plate by modifying boundary conditions is demonstrated, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed method as a structural optimization tool. According to the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt of optimizing fluid-loaded plate natural frequencies by considering arbitrary boundary conditions as optimization variables.
Research for a novel class of translational spatial multi-loop coupled mechanisms: Type synthesis and kinematic analysis
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Liu Jingfang , Ding Huafeng
Published: August 2018

A novel type synthesis method for a class of spatial multi-loop coupled mechanisms with translational degrees of freedom is proposed in the paper. The novel class of spatial multi-loop coupled mechanisms has a stable topology layout which consists of three branches and three coupled chains. The basic idea of the new structural synthesis method lies at replacing the inputs of one mechanism by the outputs of another, thereby combining several mechanisms, where the topology split method for the topological layout and corresponding degree of freedom splitting principle are provided. The synthesis of the target mechanism is transformed into synthesis of corresponding serial and parallel mechanisms thereby, and a class of spatial multi-loop coupled mechanisms is synthesized. To validate the new synthesis method and to present a theoretical basis for future application, kinematic analysis of a single translational mobility (1T) spatial multi-loop coupled mechanism and a symmetrical two translational degrees of freedom (2T) spatial multi-loop coupled mechanism is performed. This article enriches the family of the spatial mechanisms for further instructing the study of spatial multi-loop coupled mechanisms.
The modulation of eye movement control by word length in reading Chinese
Authors: Ma Guojie , Li Ziang , Xu Fengfeng , Li Xingshan
Published: August 2018

Given there are no interword spaces marking word boundaries in Chinese text, it remains unclear how information about word length influences eye movement control during the reading of Chinese text. In this research, we set up strict controls for word frequency and other word properties, to study this knowledge gap. In Experiment 1A and Experiment 1B, a between-subjects design was used. Forty-eight pairs of one- and two-character words were selected as target words in Experiment 1A, while the same amount of two- and three-character words were selected in Experiment 1B. Conversely, a within-subjects design was used in Experiment 2. Sixty sets of one-, two- and three-character words were selected as target words. The results showed that long words were skipped less often and fixated on more often than short words. Total time was shorter for shorter than for longer words but first fixation durations were longer for one- than for two-character words. Most importantly, we did not find reliable evidence to support the view that word length could modulate initial landing position and incoming saccade length in the length-matched region analyses. These findings suggest that word length influences eye movement control during reading Chinese in a way that is slightly different from that in the process of reading English.
Nasal Septal Hemangiopericytoma-like Tumor: A Case Report with an Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Yasui Rie , Minatogawa Toru , Kanoh Naoyuki , Nakata Yasuo , Kubota Akira
Published: August 2018

Nasal hemangiopericytoma-like (HPCL) tumor is a rare vascular tumor and should be differentiated from typical hemangiopericytomas (HPCs). This study reports the case of an HPCL tumor in a 77-year-old man with histological and immunohistochemical features. After preoperative evaluation of the blood supply, the dark-red right intranasal tumor was resected completely via the right maxillary sinus. The final histopathological diagnosis was HPCL tumor based on several stains: vimentin (+), α-SMA (+), etc. Moreover, there were few p53 (+) cells and the Ki-67 and topoisomerase IIα labeling indices were both under 5%. These findings indicated that this tumor was a low-grade malignancy. The immunohistochemical investigations used are useful for making the diagnosis of HPCL tumor and determining the treatment, malignancy, and prognosis. (American Journal of Rhinology 15 267–270, 2001)
Olfactory Function in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Frasnelli Johannes A. , Temmel Andreas F. , Quint Christian , Oberbauer Rainer , Hummel Thomas
Published: August 2018

Background

Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) show a high prevalence of poor nutritional state so that dietary treatment becomes a significant part of the therapeutic regimen. Because smell plays an important role in nutrition, this study aimed to investigate olfactory function in CRF patients.

Methods

A total of 64 CRF patients were investigated. Forty-nine of them were treated with hemodialysis, 15 CRF patients were not dialysis dependent. For comparison we examined 15 healthy subjects. Olfactory function was assessed for odor discrimination, odor identification, and butanol odor thresholds.

Results

Olfactory loss was found in 56% of the patients, with 3 functional anosmics and 33 hyposmics. CRF had specific effects on individual tests of olfactory function. Elevated odor thresholds were found in 11% of patients, 38% of patients had reduced odor discrimination, and 48% of patients exhibited deficits in odor identification. Results of psychological tests (Mini–Mental State Examination and Trail-Making Test) correlated with results from odor identification (p < 0.01) and discrimination (p < 0.01) but not with odor thresholds.

Conclusions

The ability to discriminate and identify odors was found severely impaired whereas odor thresholds were similar to what is seen in the general population. Consequently, CRF patients should be counseled with regard to the possibility of reduced chemosensory functions.
A Model of Allergic Nasal Congestion in Dogs Sensitized to Ragweed
Authors: Rudolph Karin , Bice David E. , Hey John A. , Mcleod Robbie L.
Published: August 2018

Background

Acoustic rhinometry is a noninvasive method that uses sound waves to measure dimensions of the nasal cavity.

Methods

In this study, nasal patency was measured by acoustic rhinometry in allergic Beagle dogs sensitized to ragweed allergen. Ragweed (0.03–0.3%) or vehicle were administered intranasally in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

Results

The instillation of ragweed caused a dose-related decrease in nasal cavity volume and minimal cross-sectional area (Amin) without adverse systemic effects. Nasal cavity volume and Amin decreased within 30 minutes after instillation of the highest ragweed dose by 35.1 ± 6.0% and 66.4 ± 13.8%, respectively, and persisted for at least 90 minutes. Oral administration of α-adrenergic agonist, d-pseudoephedrine (3 mg/kg), or histamine H1 antagonist chlorpheniramine (10 mg/kg) blocked the ragweed-induced nasal congestion.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the canine model may be used to study upper-airway diseases such as allergic rhinitis and to evaluate the pharmacologic activity of nasal decongestants.
Virtual Simulator as a Training Tool for Endonasal Surgery
Authors: Caversaccio Marco , Eichenberger Adrian , Häusler Rudolf
Published: August 2018

Background

Virtual simulation could be an important tool for medical and surgical training as well as education. The efficacy of a simulator for endoscopic nasal procedures in a training program was evaluated.

Methods

The simulator is a medical and scientific tool for visualizing and interacting with three-dimensional volumetric data. Twenty endonasal operations with chronic rhinosinusitis were simulated by two 3rd-year residents and proctored by the senior surgeon 1 day before the actual surgery was performed with an endoscope and computer-aided surgery. A questionnaire was established.

Results

The surgical simulator may provide a better understanding of the morphology of the paranasal sinuses with a minor impact on performance of endoscopy by junior residents. Disadvantages identified were time consumption, absence of force feedback, and subtle handling of the joysticks.

Conclusion

The virtual simulator allows the nonendoscopically nasal trained surgeon to understand and practice endonasal surgery using real-patient data but failed to make an impact on operating room performance. Furthermore, the simulator's effectiveness was limited by the absence of force feedback, subtle handling of the joysticks, and considerable time consumption.
Role of Nasal Endoscopy in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Kaplan Brian A. , Kountakis Stilianos E.
Published: August 2018

Background

The goal of this study was to determine the role of nasal endoscopy in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and to examine the correlation between nasal endoscopy and pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) grade, symptom scores, and the patients’ asthma status.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 254 consecutive patients treated with endoscopic sinus surgery was performed from 1999 to 2002. There were 131 men and 123 women, with a mean age of 48 years. All patients had at least 1-year follow-up. All patients received preoperative CT scans, which were graded as per Lund-MacKay, completed the sinonasal outcome test 20 questionnaires, and underwent endoscopic nasal examination at both the preoperative and 1-year postoperative visits. The correlation between the endoscopy score, CT grade, and sinonasal outcome test 20 findings was calculated.

Results

Nasal endoscopy indicated a statistically significant correlation with preoperative CT grade in this patient population. There was no correlation between endoscopic findings and patient symptom scores. Nasal endoscopy in patients with asthma (n = 47) did not correlate with either CT grade or patient symptom scores. In patients without asthma (n = 207), nasal endoscopy correlated with CT grade but not with symptom scores.

Conclusion

Nasal endoscopy findings do not correlate with symptom scores in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. Nasal endoscopy findings correlated with CT grade in patients without asthma, but no such correlation was found in patients with asthma.
Embolization for the Treatment of Idiopathic Posterior Epistaxis
Authors: Gurney Theresa A. , Dowd Christopher F. , Murr Andrew H.
Published: August 2018

Background

The goal of this study was to examine safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization for the treatment of idiopathic posterior epistaxis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted to characterize the underlying conditions of eighty-one consecutive patients for whom complete records were available presenting with posterior epistaxis, the associated risk factors for patients with idiopathic posterior epistaxis, and the success rate of embolization in this patient population.

Results

One hundred consecutive patients undergoing embolization for epistaxis were identified and 81 patients were included in the analysis. Nineteen patients did not have sufficient and retrievable medical records to be included in the study. Idiopathic posterior epistaxis was the most common underlying etiology of patients with refractory posterior epistaxis (34%). Hypertension, vascular disease, and diabetes were frequently detected comorbid diseases. Patients were equally as likely to be hypertensive as normotensive at the time of presentation (45 and 55%, respectively). Most patients (83%) had failed at least one prior treatment modality. Few patients had a recurrence of epistaxis within 72 hours (three patients [12%]) or had an adverse effect associated with embolization (three patients [12%]).

Conclusion

Embolization for the treatment of posterior epistaxis is a safe and effective treatment modality.
Endoscopic Closure of the Eustachian Tube
Authors: Orlandi Richard R. , Shelton Clough
Published: August 2018

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorhinorrhea can rarely complicate lateral skull base surgery, necessitating sealing of the eustachian tube. Patulous eustachian tube (pET) can also be an indication for closure of the eustachian tube.

Methods

Representative cases and the technique will be described.

Results

The authors describe a technique used in three cases of CSF otorhinorrhea and one case of pET to successfully close the eustachian tube.

Conclusions

Previous reports have described methods of eustachian tube closure utilizing nasal endoscopic techniques. These techniques have relied on packing of the orifice and/or the nasopharynx for successful closure. The authors describe their experience with an alternative technique. The technique does not rely on any packing, which may become dislodged. It has the added advantage of potential reversibility in cases of pET.
The Role of RANTES in Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Meyer Jens E. , Bartels Joachim , Görögh Tibor , Sticherling Michael , Rudack Claudia , Ross Douglas A. , Maune Steffen
Published: August 2018

Background

Characteristic infiltrates of eosinophils are a hallmark of nasal polyps (NPs). Several studies suggest that members of the CC chemokine family may be involved in this process. RANTES (regulated on activation, normal t-cell-expressed and secreted) is a member of the CC chemokine family with chemotactic activity on mainly eosinophils and T lymphocytes. Thus, RANTES is an interesting target for the recruitment of eosinophils and T lymphocytes into the nose. The degree of the tissue eosinophilia has been reported to correlate with the severeness of the symptomatology of the disease and the extension on the lower respiratory tract, as well as with the probability of the recurrence of NPs. Therefore, we hypothesized that high numbers of eosinophils correlate with high levels of RANTES and that associated atopic diseases modify this correlation.

Methods

Total RNA was extracted from NP homogenates, reverse transcribed and RANTES mRNA expression analyzed using semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis. Histological studies divided NPs in an eosinophilic and low eosinophilic group. Additionally, RANTES protein concentration was measured in homogenates by a RANTES-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

This study has clearly shown that RANTES is expressed and secreted in NPs. The group with a high tissue eosinophilia had a significant higher RANTES gene expression and protein production than NPs without tissue eosinophilia. The isolated coincidence of acetylsalicyl acid intolerance with chronic hyperplastic sinusitis/NP additionally increased significantly the RANTES amounts in NPs.

Conclusion

Increased RANTES leads to increased tissue eosinophilia. Associated acetylsalicylic acid intolerance seems to enhance the amount of RANTES in NPs and might explain in part the more severe clinical course in those patients. Thus, RANTES appears to play an important role in mobilization of eosinophils into the local inflamed tissue.
Objective versus Subjective Outcomes Assessment in Rhinology
Authors: Stewart Michael G. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: August 2018

Background

Prior studies on the relationship between computed tomography scan findings and patient-based quality of life in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have found very low correlations. Whereas surprising, similar findings have been noted in other diseases.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the association between objective and subjective findings in nasal septal deformity and a systematic review and synthesis of the literature on CRS and other diseases.

Results

We found no association between objective anatomic findings and subjective symptoms in nasal obstruction (R = 0.03; Kruskal–Wallis test, p = 0.97). Multiple studies in CRS and other diseases—sleep apnea, hearing loss, asthma, etc.—have found similarly low correlations between objective and subjective testing.

Conclusion

For nasal septal deviation and CRS, the patient's subjective perception of disease severity has, at best, a very weak association with objective assessment of severity. Patient-based outcomes assessment remains important; these instruments apparently quantify an aspect of disease not detected by objective testing.
Unrecognised coeliac disease among men and women undergoing fertility treatment: A screening study
Authors: Grode Louise B , Agerholm Inge E , Humaidan Peter , Parkner Tina , Bech Bodil H , Ramlau-Hansen Cecilia H , Jensen Thomas M
Published: August 2018

Background

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by dietary gluten and has been associated with several conditions influencing female and male reproduction. Due to unspecific symptoms, coeliac disease can be unrecognised for years.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of unrecognised coeliac disease among couples referred to fertility treatment.

Methods

Cross‐sectional screening for coeliac disease in men and women referred to fertility treatment using IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies as a marker of coeliac disease and small‐bowel biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. Participants answered a questionnaire on gluten intake, gastrointestinal symptoms and reproductive history.

Results

A total of 893 participants (51% women) were screened and eight were coeliac disease antibody positive. Small‐bowel biopsies were obtained from seven antibody positive participants and unrecognised coeliac disease was confirmed in one woman and three men, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.45% (95% confidence interval 0.12–1.14). The total prevalence, combining already diagnosed and unrecognised CD cases, was 0.63% (95% confidence interval 0.29–1.12).

Conclusion

The prevalence of unrecognised coeliac disease in a group of infertile patients was equivalent to that of the Danish general population and low compared with that observed in the majority of other screening studies of infertile patients. Surprisingly, it should be noted that more men than women had coeliac disease. This result does not support a need for routine screening among infertile patients.
Colorectal polyps located across a fold are difficult to resect completely using endoscopic mucosal resection: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Minamino Hiroaki , Nagami Yasuaki , Shiba Masatsugu , Hayashi Kappei , Sakai Taishi , Ominami Masaki , Fukunaga Shusei , Hayakawa Tsuyoshi , Aomatsu Kazuki , Sugimori Satoshi , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Yamagami Hirokazu , Watanabe Toshio , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: August 2018

Background

Incomplete polyp resection during colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) might contribute to the development of interval cancer.

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to determine the incidence of incomplete polyp resection during EMR of colorectal polyps located across a fold compared with that of colorectal polyps located between folds.

Methods

In total, 262 patients with 262 lesions that were ≥10 mm in diameter and treated with conventional EMR were enrolled. The main outcome was the incidence of incomplete polyp resections. Propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to reduce the effects of selection bias.

Results

Fifty‐seven lesions (21.8%) were incompletely resected. After propensity score matching, the lesions located across a fold were at higher risk of incomplete resection than those between folds (26/68, 38.2% vs 7/68, 10.3%; odds ratio (OR): 3.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.61–8.56; p < 0.01). These findings persisted after adjusting for the differences at baseline using the IPTW method (OR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.72–7.63; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

There is an increased risk of an incomplete polyp resection for a colorectal polyp that is located across a fold compared with that for a polyp that is located between folds.
The direct and moderating effects of mass shooting anxiety on political and policy attitudes
Authors: Joslyn Mark R. , Haider-Markel Donald P.
Published: August 2018

In this article, we examine the effects of individual anxiety after the 2016 Orlando, Florida, mass shooting, which killed 49 people and wounded 58 others. Similar to prior research on the influence of anxiety, after the Orlando shooting anxious citizens supported policies and institutions perceived as protective and capable of minimizing future risks. In addition, anxiety counteracted ideology. Anxious citizens largely abandoned ideological processing, which resulted in a sharp reduction of differences between liberals and conservatives on essential beliefs and preferences associated with mass shootings. However, the degree of ideological abandonment turned on the alignment of ideology and anxiety. When anxiety about the Orlando shooting encouraged support for policies inconsistent with ideological preferences, the influence of ideology on subsequent preferences diminished notably. Conversely, when anxiety prompted support for policies consistent with ideological preferences, anxiety reinforced those preferences. The identification of ideological abandonment after Orlando, and the asymmetric influence of anxiety on political attitudes across ideology, are important contributions to theories of emotion and for research on tragic events.
Contingency, cost, and a fracking ban: Extending sociological research with the contingent valuation method
Authors: Mayer Adam
Published: August 2018

Documenting patterns of environmental concerns has been a core effort of environmental sociology since the founding of the sub-discipline. Environmental economists, on the other hand, are pre-occupied with the valuation of non-market goods like ecosystems services and environmental policy. In this article, we argue that sociologists should cautiously embrace non-market valuation methods, particularly the contingent valuation method. We provide a motivating empirical example by considering the case of support for a fracking ban among residents of Colorado, USA. Our analysis suggests that Colorado residents’ support for a fracking ban is somewhat contingent upon the costs created by said ban. We then conclude by discussing how sociologists might extend research on non-market valuation with sociological insights.
Erythema Sweetobullosum: A Reactive Cutaneous Manifestation of Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Abukamleh Hisham , Heidari Arash , Petersen Greti , Natarajan Piruthiviraj , Yakoub Gian , Cobos Everardo , Johnson Royce
Published: August 2018

Reactive cutaneous coccidioidal skin manifestations are commonly noticed during the early stage of coccidioidomycosis. These skin lesions are devoid of any active coccidioidal organism, and the immune trigger mechanisms are not elucidated. We describe 6 cases of unusual reactive cutaneous coccidioidal manifestation, characterized by painful vesiculobullous lesions known as erythema sweetobullosum. The biopsy of the lesions revealed neutrophilic dermatosis with inflammatory cells resulting in a cleft and elevation of the most superficial layer of the skin forming a bulla. The reactive cutaneous lesion is self-limited and requires no specific therapy.
Does Remnant Preservation Influence Tibial Tunnel Enlargement or Graft-to-Bone Integration After Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Autografts and Suspensory Fixation? A Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation
Authors: Naraoka Takuya , Kimura Yuka , Tsuda Eiichi , Yamamoto Yuji , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: August 2018

Background:

Remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was introduced to improve clinical outcomes and biological healing. However, the influences of remnant preservation on tibial tunnel position and enlargement are still uncertain.

Purpose:

To evaluate whether remnant-preserving ACL reconstruction influences tibial tunnel position or enlargement and to examine the relationship between tunnel enlargement and graft-to-bone integration in the tibial tunnel.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 91 knees with double-bundle ACL reconstructions were enrolled in this study. ACL reconstruction was performed without a remnant (<25% of the intra-articular portion of the graft) in 44 knees (nonremnant [NR] group) and with remnant preservation in the remaining 47 knees (remnant-preserving [RP] group). Tibial tunnel position and enlargement were assessed using computed tomography (CT). Comparisons between groups were performed. Furthermore, graft-to-bone integration in the tibial tunnel was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging, and the relationship between tunnel enlargement and graft-to-bone integration at 1 year after ACL reconstruction was assessed.

Results:

A total of 48 knees (25 in NR group, 23 in RP group) were included; 19 and 24 knees in the NR and RP groups were excluded, respectively, because of graft reruptures and a lack of CT scans. There were no significant between-group differences in tibial tunnel position ( P > .05). The degree of posterolateral tunnel enlargement in the axial plane was significantly higher in the RP group than that in the NR group ( P = .007) 1 year after ACL reconstruction. The degree of anteromedial tunnel enlargement on axial CT was significantly smaller in knees with graft-to-bone integration than in those without integration ( P = .002) 1 year after ACL reconstruction.

Conclusion:

ACL reconstruction with remnant preservation did not influence tibial tunnel position and did not decrease the degree or incidence of tibial tunnel enlargement. At 1 year postoperatively, tunnel enlargement did not affect graft-to-bone integration in the posterolateral tunnel, but graft-to-bone integration was delayed in the anteromedial tunnel.
Prognostic impact of t(16;21)(p11;q22) and t(16;21)(q24;q22) in pediatric AML: a retrospective study by the I-BFM Study Group
Authors: Noort Sanne , Zimmermann Martin , Reinhardt Dirk , Cuccuini Wendy , Pigazzi Martina , Smith Jenny , Ries Rhonda E. , Alonzo Todd A. , Hirsch Betsy , Tomizawa Daisuke , Locatelli Franco , Gruber Tanja A. , Raimondi Susana , Sonneveld Edwin , Cheuk Daniel K. , Dworzak Michael , Stary Jan , Abrahamsson Jonas , Arad-Cohen Nira , Czogala Malgorzata , De Moerloose Barbara , Hasle Henrik , Meshinchi Soheil , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry , Zwaan C. Michel
Published: August 2018

Key Points

t(16;21) translocations in AML comprise t(16;21)(p11;q22) (FUS-ERG) as well as t(16;21)(q24;q22) (RUNX1-CBFA2T3). Survival in pediatric AML with FUS-ERG is poor, whereas survival in RUNX1-CBFA2T3 is similar to other core-binding factor leukemias.
Customizing constraint incorporation in direct current resistivity inverse problems: A comparison among three global optimization methods
Authors: Barboza Francisco M. , Medeiros Walter E. , Santana Jerbeson M.
Published: August 2018

One-dimensional forward modeling in direct current (DC) resistivity is actually computationally inexpensive, allowing the use of global optimization methods (GOMs) to solve 1.5D inverse problems with flexibility in constraint incorporation. GOMs can support computational environments for quantitative interpretation in which the comparison of solutions incorporating different constraints is a way to infer characteristics of the actual subsurface resistivity distribution. To this end, the chosen GOM must be robust to changes in the cost function and also be computationally efficient. The performance of the classic versions of the simulated annealing (SA), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods for solving the 1.5D DC resistivity inverse problem is here compared using synthetic and field data. The main results are as follows: (1) All methods reproduce synthetic models quite well, (2) PSO and GA are comparatively more robust to changes in the cost function than SA, (3) PSO first and GA second present the best computational performances, requiring less forwarding modeling than SA, and (4) GA gives higher performance than PSO and SA with respect to the final attained value of the cost function and its standard deviation. From our experience, to put them into effective operation, the methods can be classified from easy to difficult in the order PSO, GA, and SA as a consequence of robustness to changes in the cost function and of the underlying simplicity of the associated equations. To exemplify a quantitative interpretation using GOMs, we compare solutions with least-absolute and least-squares norms of the discrepancies derived from the lateral continuity constraints of the log-resistivity and layer depth as a manner of detecting faults. GOMs additionally provide the important benefit of furnishing not only the best solution but also a set of suboptimal quasisolutions from which uncertainty analyses can be performed.
Arrested in the Moment of Dying: Science, Fiction, and the Reality Effect of Reprinting
Authors: Andriopoulos Stefan
Published: August 2018

How was it possible that numerous nineteenth-century readers believed in the authenticity of a made-up sensational story about a mesmerist experiment that supposedly arrested its subject between life and death? By juxtaposing Edgar Allan Poe’s “Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” with Justinus Kerner’s medical case history “The Seeress of Prevorst,” this essay compares the narrative constructions of verisimilitude in science and fiction. But in exploring the viral dissemination of “Valdemar,” I also analyze how nineteenth-century print media produced content and credence by means of reprinting—a circular feedback reminiscent of our current world of social media, where unfounded or disproven stories gain credibility by being circulated, shared, and retweeted.
Ηλικιακά στερεότυπα για την απόκτηση νέων δεξιοτήτων και οι αρνητικές επιπτώσεις τους στις εργασιακές προοπτικές των άνω των 55 ετών
Authors: CHAIKALIS-PETRITSIS EVANGELOS
Published: August 2018

Τα τελευταία χρόνια παρατηρείται το φαινόμενο της γήρανσης του πληθυσμού το οποίο εκδηλώνεται ως συνεχής διεύρυνση της ηλικιακής ομάδας των άνω των 55 ετών. Αυτό έχει οδηγήσει σε πολλές χώρες στην επιμήκυνση του εργασιακού βίου και σε παράταση των ορίων συνταξιοδότησης. Το παρόν άρθρο, λοιπόν, εξετάζει τις προκλήσεις που αντιμετωπίζουν οι εργαζόμενοι των άνω των 55 ετών λόγω των αρνητικών στερεοτύπων που τους θέλουν να διακατέχονται από μειωμένες σωματικές και γνωστικές ικανότητες καθώς και από αδυναμία απόκτησης νέων δεξιοτήτων. Το άρθρο αναδεικνύει την εσωτερίκευση των αρνητικών αυτών στερεοτύπων από τους ίδιους ως βασική διεργασία μέσω της οποίας οι εργασιακές προοπτικές των εργαζομένων των άνω των 55 ετών περιορίζονται σημαντικά και επισημαίνει την απώλεια της παραγωγικότητας και το μακροπρόθεσμο κόστος στη σωματική και ψυχική υγεία των εργαζομένων ως μερικές από τις αρνητικές επιπτώσεις των ηλικιακών στερεοτύπων. Η καλλιέργεια θετικών επαφών μεταξύ εργαζομένων όλων των ηλικιών προτείνεται ως τρόπος αντιμετώπισης των αρνητικών αυτών επιπτώσεων.
Job flows, returns to skill, and rent-sharing at the dawn of the new millennium: A firm-level inquiry from the BRICS
Authors: PANOS GEORGIOS A. , YANG YONG
Published: August 2018

We present a firm-level inquiry on labour-demand characteristics in the BRICS economies, using standardized data from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys for the pre-crisis period of 2002-2003. The BRICS countries are the growth champions of that period, with numerous discussions on the effect of growth on inequality and the role of skills on labour-market performance. We examine employment, employment growth and its constituents, as well the returns to skill and the incidence of rent-sharing. We find that SMEs in the BRICS exhibit lower gross employment growth, compared to large firms. Large firms in Brazil, Russia and South Africa are responsible for most of the net job creation. In contrast, small and medium firms in China and India exhibit higher net job creation rates compared to large firms. Younger firms in Brazil, Russia and India generate higher net job creation figures, in contrast to China and South Africa, in which it is the large firms that generate more net new jobs. Foreign firms in China exhibit the highest net job creation, while in Brazil and India domestic firms create most of the new net employment. Private firms are responsible for most of the net job creation and job reallocation in all BRICS counties. The returns to skill are lower in SMEs and young firms, and we find evidence in favour of rent sharing, particularly in Brazil and India, by foreign and exporting firms, and by SMEs in China.
Impact of Chernobyl Accident Factors on Psychoneurological Status of Liquidators – Helicopter-pilots
Authors: Ушаков И. , Ushakov I. , Федоров В. , Fedorov V.
Published: August 2018

There was a study of the health status (with emphasis on psychoneurological status) of crew on military helicopters and aircraft before and after the execution of works on liquidation of consequences of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, and received a radiation dose of 226 6 mGy. We studied the results of a poll of the liquidators for the purpose of studying their quality of life 10 years after the accident. The obtained data were compared with the results of radiobiological experiments on animals irradiated at doses comparable to that received by the liquidators. The results of the study concluded that, in assessing psychoneurological status of the liquidators of radiation accidents, it is necessary to take into account the initial state of their health and the whole complex of adverse factors of the Chernobyl accident, and not just the external exposure dose. The main measures of prevention of psychoneurological disorders in liquidators should become: a professional selection of volunteers, who know the basics of radiobiology; professional medical-psychological service; the creation of appropriate socio-hygienic conditions and proportional to the risk faced by the liquidators and their families; reducing the level the harmful and dangerous work-related factors of flight operations, as well as prevention (and it seems important) incorporation into the body of long-lived radionuclides.
Self-efficacy theory, quality of life and myasthenia gravis self-management
Authors: Tigner Dana C , Rankin James A , Then Karen L
Published: August 2018

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic neuromuscular disease that can negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients diagnosed with this dynamic condition. The authors propose that self-management programmes, coordinated and supervised by nurse practitioners, would improve patients' HRQoL. The purpose of this article is to examine the contribution of self-efficacy theory in relation to improvement of HRQoL in patients diagnosed with MG. The authors explore how a self-management programme specifically designed for MG patients would provide the necessary tools to improve self-efficacy and increase their coping skills. Recommendations for future self-management initiatives for this population are discussed. The authors describe the factors that are relevant to self-management in the MG population.
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Costello John
Published: August 2018

John Costello provides a synopsis and brief review of a selection of recently published research articles of interest to neuroscience nurses, highlighting the key points to keep you up to date. A full reference is provided for those who wish to read the research in more detail.
Laboratory advances for equine practices
Authors: Prutton Jamie
Published: August 2018

Jamie Prutton from Liphook Equine Hospital outlines some of the recent diagnostic advances and new tests that will be available at their Liphook laboratory
Swellings of the sternoclavicular joint: review of traumatic and non-traumatic pathologies
Authors: Edwin John , Ahmed Shahbaz , Verma Shobhit , Tytherleigh-Strong Graham , Karuppaiah Karthik , Sinha Joydeep
Published: August 2018

The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is an integral part of the shoulder girdle that connects the upper limb to the axial skeleton. Swelling of the SCJ is commonly due to trauma, degeneration, infections and other disease processes that affect synovial joints. This review also focuses on uncommon conditions that could affect the SCJ, including SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome, Friedrich’s disease and Tietze syndrome. The scope of this review is limited to the analysis of the current evidence on the various conditions affecting the SCJ and also to provide an algorithm to manage these conditions.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:471-484. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170078