bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial to Impactful Management: Income Inequality in Education
Authors: Ghosh Moulick Abhisekh
Published: September 2019

When school districts move more administrators down to school campuses, do they get better at reducing the income-based achievement gap? Data from Texas public school districts between 1994 and 2010 show that such managerial decentralization is positively associated with income-based achievement gap, explained by the tendency of elite capture in heavily decentralized systems. Furthermore, this primary relationship was moderated positively by the level of school district revenue generated locally and moderated negatively by enrollment. Generally beneficial among larger student bodies, more decentralized management, especially in districts with a greater ability to generate their own revenue, made the achievement gap worse.
Use of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in the Modern Era of Acute Coronary Syndrome Management: A Survey of Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacists
Authors: Beavers Craig J. , Jennings Douglas L.
Published: September 2019

Evidence for the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) in the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is from the era of either limited utilization of P2Y12 inhibitors or prior the introduction of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors. This leads to divergent opinions regarding the role of these agents in contemporary practice. This study sought the opinion of cardiovascular clinical pharmacists regarding the role of GPIs in the modern of ACS management. A 13-question survey was created and distributed from June 2018 to July 2018 via the American College of Clinical Pharmacy’s Cardiology Practice and Research Network e-mail listserv. The survey consisted of questions regarding the ideal use of GPIs in ACS management, preferred agent selection, and rational for selection. All results were analyzed with descriptive statistics. There were a total 69 responses of 1175 (response rate 5.9%). The majority felt there was still a role for GPI in accordance to the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (65.2%), with eptifibatide being preferred (55.1%). For non-ST-segment myocardial infraction (NSTEMI), only 49.3% felt role of GPI was in line with the ACC/AHA guidelines, but a notable number of respondents felt GPIs were only indicated in NSTEMI patients for bailout or thrombotic complications (18.8%). A majority (56.5%) felt GPIs could be used as an alternative for cangrelor when bridging. The decision to use one agent over another were efficacy data, cost, and pharmacokinetic profile.
The Role of the Pharmacist in Optimizing Cancer Immunotherapy: A Retrospective Study of Nivolumab Adverse Events
Authors: Menz Bradley D. , Johnson Jacinta L. , Gillard Davina F. , Chong William , Ward Michael B.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an emerging treatment in cancer therapy for prolonging life, minimizing symptoms, and selectively targeting cancer. Program death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, such as nivolumab, fall within this class, enabling the patient’s immune system to detect and destroy cancer. The introduction of ICIs is changing cancer therapy, with new drugs and new toxicities—an evolving area encountered by pharmacists.

Objective:

This study aims to compare the pattern of nivolumab-induced adverse events observed in practice, when compared with clinical trial and literature data. The secondary aim of the study is to identify the presentation and treatment modalities initiated in practice.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective case note review across 2 South Australian hospitals to identify the common toxicities and symptomatic treatments experienced by patients receiving nivolumab. Results were compared with clinical trial data from product innovator Bristol-Myer Squib and other published literature.

Results:

Seventy patients were included in the study; of these, 60 (86%) experienced any grade adverse event(s). A total of 59 (84%) of 70 experienced mild to moderate grade 1 to grade 2 adverse events and 10 (14%) of 70 patients experienced severe grade 3 to grade 4 adverse events, displaying some consistencies with clinical trial and published literature data. Together, the prevalence of adverse events with details on presentation and treatments illustrates possible pharmacy practice strategies and areas for intervention.

Conclusions:

The listed prevalence of adverse events and practice strategies identified throughout this study highlights how pharmacists may assist in the identification of predictable ICI toxicities associated with gastrointestinal, endocrine, dermatological toxicities, and fatigue.
Sharing a vision. Do participants in integrated care programmes have the same goals and objectives?
Authors: Kaehne Axel
Published: September 2019

Integrating health and social care services remains one of the most difficult undertakings in the field of care delivery. One of the key requirements for success in integration programmes is a shared vision amongst care providers. Shared visions may contain views as to what the new services should look like, how it should operate and what it should be able to achieve. The paper reports findings of an evaluation of a service integration programme in the North of England. It confirms that a programme consensus on issues such as aims and objectives and programme logics is seen by participants as a key to success. Yet, the study also found that there is a specific window of opportunity in integration programmes when participating organisations start on relatively high levels of commitment and enthusiasm which tend to tail off relatively quickly. The paper closes with a discussion about the implications of the findings for programme designers and service planners.
Functional evaluation of a non-assembly 3D-printed hand prosthesis
Authors: Cuellar Juan Sebastian , Smit Gerwin , Breedveld Paul , Zadpoor Amir Abbas , Plettenburg Dick
Published: September 2019

In developing countries, the access of amputees to prosthetic devices is very limited. In a way to increase accessibility of prosthetic hands, we have recently developed a new approach for the design and 3D printing of non-assembly active hand prostheses using inexpensive 3D printers working on the basis of material extrusion technology. This article describes the design of our novel 3D-printed hand prosthesis and also shows the mechanical and functional evaluation in view of its future use in developing countries. We have fabricated a hand prosthesis using 3D printing technology and a non-assembly design approach that reaches certain level of functionality. The mechanical resistance of critical parts, the mechanical performance, and the functionality of a non-assembly 3D-printed hand prosthesis were assessed. The mechanical configuration used in the hand prosthesis is able to withstand typical actuation forces delivered by prosthetic users. Moreover, the activation forces and the energy required for a closing cycle are considerably lower as compared to other body-powered prostheses. The non-assembly design achieved a comparable level of functionality with respect to other body-powered alternatives. We consider this prosthetic hand a valuable option for people with arm defects in developing countries.
Hide or Seek? Physiological Responses Reflect Both the Decision and the Attempt to Conceal Information
Authors: klein Selle Nathalie , Agari Naama , Ben-Shakhar Gershon
Published: September 2019

The process of information concealment is more relevant than ever in this day and age. Using a modified concealed-information test (CIT), we aimed to unmask this process by investigating both the decision and the attempt to conceal information in 38 students. The attempt to conceal (vs. reveal) information induced a differential physiological response pattern within subjects—whereas skin conductance increased in both conditions, respiration and heart rate were suppressed only in the conceal condition—confirming the idea that these measures reflect different underlying mechanisms. The decision to conceal (vs. reveal) information induced enhanced anticipatory skin conductance responses. To our knowledge, this is the first study that observed such anticipatory responses in an information-concealment paradigm. Together, these findings imply that our physiological responses reflect, to some degree, both the decision and the attempt to conceal information. In addition to strengthening CIT theory, this knowledge sheds novel light on anticipatory responding in decision making.
Comparative analysis of the properties: Microcrystalline cellulose fiber polyamide composites filled with ethylene copolymer and olefin elastomer
Authors: Beg MDH , Islam Muhammad Remanul , Mamun AA , Heim H-P , Feldmann M
Published: September 2019

Polyamide 6.10 (PA) composites, reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose fibers, were prepared separately using two types of coupling agents, Exxelor VA1803 (VA) and Bondyram 7103 (BR), using extrusion followed by an injection molding process. The fiber loading was fixed to 30 wt%, whereas the coupling agent was fixed to 5 wt%. The properties of the composites were characterized by the tensile properties, impact testing, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic thermomechanical, thermogravimetric, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The distribution of the fibers into the PA was examined by a scanning electron microscope. It was found that the VA improved the mechanical and thermomechanical properties slightly compared to BR-based samples. Overall, the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the composites were also improved comparatively using VA.
We’ve Selected a Candidate Who More Closely Fits Our Current Needs: A Genre Analysis of Academic Job-Refusal Letters
Authors: Thominet Luke
Published: September 2019

For many, the academic job-search process involves experiencing rejection, self-doubt, and depression. And a common form of communication during this process—job-refusal letters—can reinforce these negative experiences. This article uses rhetorical genre analysis to study 131 academic job-refusal letters and the applicants’ perceptions of these letters. First it constructs a model of the common genre moves in the sample of letters, giving specific examples of variation in these moves. Then it correlates these moves with the applicants’ perceptions of the letters they received, analyzing the results for statistically significant variations in patterns of applicant perceptions. Based on these analyses, the author argues that the most typified genre moves do not contribute to applicants’ feeling valued. Instead, letters building goodwill through less typified moves and language are often more effective. Ultimately, he argues that we can make the job-search process more humane by attending to the specifics of the full range of interactions between applicants and institutions.
Of what is “minimal cognition” the half-baked version?
Authors: Lyon Pamela
Published: September 2019

“Minimal cognition” is used in certain sectors of the cognitive sciences to make a kind of ontological claim that may be unique in the biological sciences: that a function operating in organisms living today is not a fully fledged version of that function (the nature of which remains unspecified), but, rather, exhibits the minimal requirements for whatever it is, properly conceived. Evidence suggests that elsewhere in the life sciences, deployment of minimizing qualifiers relative to a biological function appears largely restricted to two scenarios: first, attenuated functioning and, second, evolution of the function, real or synthetic. The article argues that “minimal cognition” and “proto-cognitive” were introduced at the turn of this century by cognitive researchers seeking to learn directly from evolved behavior, ecology and physiology. A terminological straitjacket imposed on the central object of cognitive science at its beginning necessitated the move. An alternative terminology is proposed, based on a phyletically neutral definition of cognition as a biological function; a candidate mechanism is explored; and a bacterial example presented. On this story, cognition is like respiration: ubiquitously present, from unicellular life to blue whales and every form of life in between, and for similar reasons: staying alive requires it.
Comparison of Complication and Reoperation Rates for Minimally Invasive Versus Open Cheilectomy of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Authors: Stevens Richard , Bursnall Matthew , Chadwick Carolyn , Davies Howard , Flowers Mark , Blundell Christopher , Davies Mark
Published: September 2019

Background:

Dorsal cheilectomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is an accepted treatment to alleviate dorsal impingement, pain, and reduced dorsiflexion in hallux rigidus. Traditionally performed via an open incision, this procedure has more recently been performed using minimally invasive techniques despite limited supportive published evidence.

Methods:

From December 2012 through December 2017, a retrospective analysis of all cheilectomies performed in our institution was done. The surgical technique was recorded along with any subsequent procedures performed for either persistent or recurrent pain, and complications were also noted. A comparison between open and minimally invasive outcomes was performed. In total, 171 cheilectomies were performed during this period. There were 38 open and 133 minimally invasive procedures.

Results:

At a mean 3-year follow-up, the reoperation rates of the 2 groups were different with only 1 (2.6%) of the open group requiring a fusion, while 17 (12.8%) of the minimally invasive surgical (MIS) group required further surgery (relative risk, 4.86; P = .059). In the open group, there was 1 (2.6%) complication, compared with 15 (11.3%) in the minimally invasive group (relative risk, 4.29; P = .076).

Conclusion:

While patients may opt for MIS cheilectomy with a proposed faster recovery time and better cosmesis, they should be counseled about the risks and benefits of both methods, and that the technique of MIS cheilectomy utilized in this study appears to have an increased relative risk of requiring a further procedure.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Development of a Small Animal Ankle Arthrodesis Model
Authors: Kadakia Rishin J. , Devereaux Emily J. , Ahn Hyunhee , Traub Brian C. , Kephart Donald , Willett Nick J. , Bariteau Jason T.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Our understanding of the biology of ankle arthrodesis is based largely on work in spine and long bone animal models. However, the local soft tissue and vascular anatomy of the foot and ankle is different from that of the spine. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to develop a small animal ankle arthrodesis model.

Methods:

A total of 12 Lewis rats successfully underwent ankle arthrodesis with stabilization consisting of a single Kirschner wire across the prepared tibiotalar joint. Based on high nonunion rates with this initial procedure, a modification was made consisting of a second pin crossing the joint. A total of 6 rats underwent the second procedure. Radiographs were taken postoperatively and in 2-week intervals up to 10 weeks. Micro computed tomography (µCT) and histological analysis was conducted at 10 weeks to assess the fusion mass. Osseous bridging of greater than 50% across the tibiotalar joint was deemed a successful fusion.

Results:

µCT analysis determined that 11 of the 12 rats in the single-pin cohort developed nonunions (8.3% fusion rate). In the dual-pin cohort, all 6 animals successfully fused (100% fusion rate). Histological analysis supported the radiographic imaging conclusions.

Conclusion:

While the initial procedure had a high nonunion rate, enhancing the stability of the fixation greatly increased the union rate.

Clinical Relevance:

The present work demonstrates the first reliable small animal ankle arthrodesis model. We believe that this model can be used in the development of novel therapies aimed at decreasing complications and increasing fusion rates.
Fidelity of Implementation: Understanding Why and When Programs Work
Authors: Lakin Joni M. , Rambo-Hernandez Karen
Published: September 2019

Advancing the science of gifted education requires that researchers and educators better understand when and why (and for whom) programs and services are effective. Assessing Fidelity of Implementation (FoI) is key to achieving this level of understanding and can be incorporated into formative or summative evaluations and formal or informal processes. FoI is especially critical when programs are being scaled up to new contexts. This article explores FoI in terms of defining the program and identifying important moderators of implementation.
Teacher Dispositions and Their Impact on Implementation Practices for the Gifted
Authors: Stephens Kristen R.
Published: September 2019

Teacher dispositions have become an important consideration in the preparation and evaluation of teachers. Often considered in combination with demonstrated knowledge and skills, educator preparation programs across the country have been tasked by accrediting bodies to both identify the essential dispositions required of licensed teachers and develop means for cultivating and assessing these dispositions. Dispositions often address a broad swath of areas and are assumed to be of uniform importance regardless of the teacher’s grade level and content area; however, is it possible that certain dispositions are more essential for teachers of the gifted? Likewise, are there dispositions that have not been considered in our assessment of general education teachers that are critical for teachers of the gifted to possess? A thorough consideration of both these questions is necessary to ensure a cadre of teachers who are highly effective in working with gifted students.
Fear and Derision: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Provaccine and Antivaccine Internet Memes
Authors: Harvey Amanda M. , Thompson Sharlynn , Lac Andrew , Coolidge Frederick L.
Published: September 2019

The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics of Internet memes created and disseminated by proponents and opponents of vaccinations. A quantitative content analysis was performed on 234 pro- and antivaccine memes culled from the vaccination fan pages with the greatest number of followers on Facebook. Coding variables included whether the meme was pro- or antivaccine, percentage of factually incorrect claims, mention of the out-group, persuasive appeals (emotion, fear, and rationality), degree of sarcasm, and number of reactions and shares. The most prevalent themes concerned vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine injury/safety/autism, and conspiracy theories. Independent t tests indicated that provaccination memes were more likely to use sarcasm whereas antivaccination memes were more likely to contain emotion and fear appeals and inaccurate claims. The percentage veracity of the claims in each meme was fact-checked using authoritative scientific sources. A path analysis applying structural equation modeling revealed that memes containing characteristics that were antivaccine (vs. provaccine), appealed to emotion, and appealed to rationality significantly contributed to greater likelihood of social media reactions and shares. Additional analysis determined that both pro- and antivaccination memes tended to contain more gist than verbatim information, and both groups did not significantly differ on this gist-to-verbatim variable. Findings offer insights to understand the persuasion tactics that provaccine and antivaccine groups apply in memes to persuade others via social media. Understanding these techniques will enable the development of health communication strategies to combat false and damaging vaccine information disseminated on the Internet.
“Man a Kill a Man for Nutin”: Gang Transnationalism, Masculinities, and Violence in Belize City
Authors: Baird Adam
Published: September 2019

Belize has one of the highest homicide rates in the world; however, the gangs at the heart of this violence have rarely been studied. Using a masculinities lens and original empirical data, this article explores how Blood and Crip “gang transnationalism” from the United States of America flourished in Belize City. Gang transnationalism is understood as a “transnational masculinity” that makes cultural connections between local settings of urban exclusion. On one hand, social terrains in Belize City generated masculine vulnerabilities to the foreign gang as an identity package with the power to reconfigure positions of subordination; on the other, the establishment of male gang practices with a distinct hegemonic shape, galvanized violence and a patriarchy of the streets in already marginalized communities. This article adds a new body of work on gangs in Belize, and gang transnationalism, whilst contributing to theoretical discussions around the global to local dynamics of hegemonic masculinities discussed by Connell and Messerschmidt (2005) and Messerschmidt (2018).
Evaluation of acquired punctal stenosis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Abdelrahman Raafat Mohyeldeen , AttaAllah Heba Radi , Abdelghany Ahmed A , Alio Jorge L
Published: September 2019

Background/objectives:

The aim of this article was to study the lower punctum parameters in patients with acquired punctal stenosis using spectral-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Subjects/methods:

This was a prospective nonrandomized study that included two groups. Group 1 was composed of 32 puncta from 32 subjects (11 males and 21 females, aged 40–62 years) with epiphora and clinically diagnosed punctal stenosis. Group 2 (control group) included 30 puncta from 30 normal subjects (10 males and 20 females, aged 43–63 years). Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was employed to evaluate lower punctum parameters in all subjects; the inner and outer punctal diameters as well as punctal depth were measured.

Results:

External punctal diameter (mean: 466.1 ± 120.3 μm), internal punctal diameter (mean: 173.4 ± 55.6 μm) and punctal depth (mean: 188.4 ± 67 μm) values in Group 1 were statistically significantly lower than those in Group 2 (mean: 745.7 ± 156.9 μm, mean: 384 ± 119.1 μm, and mean: 284.9 ± 57.7 μm, respectively).

Conclusion:

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography could possibly be used as a noncontact and noninvasive diagnostic modality for evaluating and measuring the lower punctum in patients with punctal stenosis. Further research is required to develop a normative database and grading system for stenosed puncta and to correlate the degree of stenosis with the severity of epiphora.
Assexon: Assembling Exon Using Gene Capture Data
Authors: Yuan Hao , Atta Calder , Tornabene Luke , Li Chenhong
Published: September 2019

Exon capture across species has been one of the most broadly applied approaches to acquire multi-locus data in phylogenomic studies of non-model organisms. Methods for assembling loci from short-read sequences (eg, Illumina platforms) that rely on mapping reads to a reference genome may not be suitable for studies comprising species across a wide phylogenetic spectrum; thus, de novo assembling methods are more generally applied. Current approaches for assembling targeted exons from short reads are not particularly optimized as they cannot (1) assemble loci with low read depth, (2) handle large files efficiently, and (3) reliably address issues with paralogs. Thus, we present Assexon: a streamlined pipeline that de novo assembles targeted exons and their flanking sequences from raw reads. We tested our method using reads from Lepisosteus osseus (4.37 Gb) and Boleophthalmus pectinirostris (2.43 Gb), which are captured using baits that were designed based on genome sequence of Lepisosteus oculatus and Oreochromis niloticus, respectively. We compared performance of Assexon to PHYLUCE and HybPiper, which are commonly used pipelines to assemble ultra-conserved element (UCE) and Hyb-seq data. A custom exon capture analysis pipeline (CP) developed by Yuan et al was compared as well. Assexon accurately assembled more than 3400 to 3800 (20%-28%) loci than PHYLUCE and more than 1900 to 2300 (8%-14%) loci than HybPiper across different levels of phylogenetic divergence. Assexon ran at least twice as fast as PHYLUCE and HybPiper. Number of loci assembled using CP was comparable with Assexon in both tests, while Assexon ran at least 7 times faster than CP. In addition, some steps of CP require the user’s interaction and are not fully automated, and this user time was not counted in our calculation. Both Assexon and CP retrieved no paralogs in the testing runs, but PHYLUCE and Hybpiper did. In conclusion, Assexon is a tool for accurate and efficient assembling of large read sets from exon capture experiments. Furthermore, Assexon includes scripts to filter poorly aligned coding regions and flanking regions, calculate summary statistics of loci, and select loci with reliable phylogenetic signal. Assexon is available at https://github.com/yhadevol/Assexon .
Comorbidities are prevalent and detrimental for employment outcomes in people of working age with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chen Jing , Taylor Bruce , Winzenberg Tania , Palmer Andrew J , Kirk-Brown Andrea , van Dijk Pieter , Simpson Steve , Blizzard Leigh , van der Mei Ingrid
Published: September 2019

Background:

More work is needed to understand the burden of comorbidities in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To assess prevalence of 30 comorbidities and impacts of comorbidities on employment outcomes in a working-aged MS cohort.

Methods:

Participants were from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study ( n = 929). Information on specific comorbidity was obtained (whether or not each was present, doctor-diagnosed, limited their activities and being treated).

Results:

Comorbidities most frequently reported to limit activities were osteoarthritis (51%), migraines (40%), anxiety (33%), depression (29%) and allergies (18%). Mean MS-related work productivity loss in past 4 weeks was 1.3 days for those without comorbidities and 2.5 days for those with any comorbidity. The annual population costs of work productivity loss were highest for people with depression, allergies, anxiety, migraines and osteoarthritis. Higher number of comorbidities was associated with more work productivity loss and a higher likelihood of not working. These associations were substantially reduced after adjustment for MS symptom severity.

Conclusions:

Comorbidities substantially impact employment outcomes and these effects were mainly mediated through MS symptom severity. This suggests that optimal and simultaneous management of comorbidities may be a viable strategy to reduce MS symptom severity, which in turn could improve employment outcomes.
Seafood, fatty acid biosynthesis genes, and multiple sclerosis susceptibility
Authors: Langer-Gould Annette , Black Lucinda J , Waubant Emmanuelle , Smith Jessica B , Wu Jun , Gonzales Edlin G , Shao Xiaorong , Koebnick Corinna , Lucas Robyn M , Xiang Anny , Barcellos Lisa F
Published: September 2019

Background:

The role of omega-3 fatty acid in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility is unclear.

Objective:

To determine whether fish/seafood intake or genetic factors that regulate omega-3 fatty acids levels are associated with MS risk.

Methods:

We examined the association of fish and shrimp consumption and 13 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FADS1, FADS2, and ELOV2 with risk of MS in 1153 individuals from the MS Sunshine Study, a case-control study of incident MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), recruited from Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Results:

Consuming fish/seafood at least once a week or at least once a month with regular fish oil use was associated with 44% reduced odds of MS/CIS (adjusted OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.41–0.76; p = 0.0002) compared with consuming fish/seafood less than once a month and no fish oil supplementation. Two FADS2 SNPs (rs174611 and rs174618) were independently associated with a lower risk of MS (adjusted ORs = 0.74, 0.79, p = 0.0056, 0.0090, respectively). Association of FADS2 SNPs with MS risk was confirmed in an independent dataset.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acid intake may be an important modifiable risk factor for MS. This is consistent with the other known health benefits of fish consumption and complementary genetic studies supporting a key role for omega-3 regulation.
Online teletherapy for chronic pain: A systematic review
Authors: Mariano Timothy Y , Wan Limeng , Edwards Robert R , Jamison Robert N
Published: September 2019

Objective

A systematic review designed to evaluate the benefits of remote group pain management for persons with chronic pain was performed.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and PsychINFO databases were searched in April 2019. Eligible studies evaluated teletherapy for chronic pain based on set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently screened eligible studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Each study design was rated and study quality was assessed using an 11-point scale of methodological quality.

Results

Comprehensive searches identified 12 studies that met all inclusion/exclusion criteria and each study was assessed for type of technology, study design, outcome measures, study findings and limitations. No published studies investigated synchronous teletherapy for groups of chronic pain patients. Methods of assessment varied considerably across studies. Strength of evidence was moderate and many of the selected studies had issues with treatment compliance/adherence and selection bias. Teletherapy strategies for persons with chronic pain were shown to improve pain, mood, disability and catastrophising, however half of the studies selected did not meet the criteria for acceptable standards for internal validity. Those trials with limited therapist involvement appeared to be less beneficial and tended to report lower adherence than those which had higher levels of therapist guidance or peer support.

Conclusions

Preliminary findings suggest that teletherapy and remote online cognitive behavioural therapy strategies can be effective in improving quality of life among persons with chronic pain, although the overall quality of evidence is moderate. Controlled trials are needed to assess live remote teletherapy for chronic pain.
Divine law and ethical immanence at the Western Wall in Jerusalem
Authors: Mayne Hannah
Published: September 2019

This article takes a Talmudic parable as the starting point to consider the ethical as immanent and imminent in an ethnographic case study of contemporary Jewish prayer. I consider the role of blessings and curses at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, as speech acts in protests over Jewish legal interpretation and state-sanctioned laws. I demonstrate how women’s prayer performances, directed to the divine, also reflect judgments about felicitous gendered worship, and, at the same time, passionately solicit ongoing engagement in argumentation and debate with those who have seemingly incommensurable interpretations. Drawing on Das and Lambek’s notions of ordinary ethics, together with Jewish thinkers, I suggest a reading of what happens at the Western Wall that locates ethics not in transcendent, rationally formalized religious rules that frame women’s visits to this sacred site; rather, ethics is immanent and imminent in their practices of interpretation, judgment, and encounter with those statutes.
No effect of the angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan on cerebrovascular autoregulation in rats during very high and low sodium intake
Authors: Sigurdsson Sigurdur T , Bie Peter , Nielsen Arne H , Strandgaard Svend , Paulson Olaf B
Published: September 2019

Autoregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) denotes that CBF is constant despite fluctuation of blood pressure within wide limits. Inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is known to decrease the lower and upper limits of CBF autoregulation. We have previously shown that this includes inhibition by the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) candesartan. In the present study we investigated the influence of the ARB candesartan on the lower limit of CBF autoregulation in two groups of Sprague-Dawley rats, on high (4.0% Na+) and low (0.004% Na+) sodium diet, respectively. Control animals were given the same diet, but no ARB. CBF was studied with the laser Doppler method. Blood pressure was lowered by controlled bleeding. Results revealed that both high and low sodium diet with low and high renin levels respectively block the influence of candesartan on CBF autoregulation. This was expected in rats on a high salt diet with a low renin level, but unexpected in rats with a low salt intake with a high renin level.
Family carers’ experiences of nutritional care for people living with dementia at home: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Mole Louise , Kent Bridie , Abbott Rebecca , Hickson Mary
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Few studies have captured the experiences of family carers who manage the nutritional needs of family members living with dementia at home. The identification and management of symptoms that may affect nutritional status is often reliant upon the family carer. This interpretative phenomenological study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of the nutritional care of people living with dementia at home from the perspectives of the family members who support them.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2017 and February 2018. Participants were also asked to keep a diary of experiences for two weeks before the interview. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was used throughout. Findings: Eight participants, with a mean age of 69.6 years residing in South West England were recruited and represented a range of familial roles. Following analysis, three superordinate themes were identified: ‘becoming carer and cook’, ‘changing role and relationships’ and ‘emotional eating’.

Conclusion

Family carers make food and drink decisions daily, and feel a duty to take on the responsibility for food shopping and cooking. They are conscious about ‘doing the right thing’ when it comes to providing nutritional care, and some feel uncertain about the food choices they are making, particularly regarding a reliance on convenience foods. Changes in appetite, food preferences and mealtime habits related to dementia can lead to disruption affecting the dyad. It is important that family carers and people living at home with dementia are provided with adequate support regarding identifying nutritional risks, making appropriate food and drink choices and preventing the risk of malnutrition in the dyad.
Inclusive education, the dilemma of identity and the common good
Authors: Felder Franziska
Published: September 2019

Accounts of inclusive education that locate the concept of inclusion within theories of individual rights face two problems. The first problem, called ‘the dilemma of identity’, assumes that on one hand we need communities to develop and ensure a sense of identity and a feeling of social inclusion, whereas on the other hand, inclusion is only partly ensured via such forms of inclusion. Inclusion necessarily entails participation in societal goods such as education. The second issue is that those rights accounts do not take seriously the distinctive social nature of inclusion. In this article, I suggest a basic distinction between communal and societal inclusion that serves as a background for a fundamental suggestion: to conceptualise rights to inclusive education as part of an account of inclusion as a common good.
GSTT1 Null Genotype and Susceptibility to Children Acute Leukemia in Chinese Population: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma De-qiang
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

Increasing number of studies has focused on studying the relationship between glutathione S-transferase T1 polymorphism and children acute leukemia, among which discrepancies have risen. The aim of this study is to provide a more exact assessment of glutathione S-transferase T1 polymorphism and children acute leukemia among certain Chinese population.

Methods:

Studies were identified using PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid, Chinese Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese Biology Medicine from beginning to July 2018. The strength of association was quantified by pooling odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using fixed-effect or random-effect model according to the heterogeneity.

Results:

Overall, a positive relationship was found in null genotype of glutathione S-transferase T1 polymorphism on the risk of childhood acute leukemia among all Chinese populations (odds ratios: 1.52; 95% confidence intervals = 1.19-1.94). Similarly, consistent results were found in subgroup of Southern China (odds ratios: 1.48; 95% confidence intervals: 1.08-2.02), Northern China (odds ratios: 1.59; 95% confidence intervals: 1.09-2.33), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (odds ratios: 1.61; 95% confidence intervals: 1.19-2.17), “age > 18 years” (odds ratios: 1.59; 95% confidence intervals: 1.09-2.33), “age < 18 years” (odds ratios: 1.48; 95% confidence intervals: 1.08-2.02), and population-based studies (odds ratios: 1.60; 95% confidence intervals: 1.16-2.20).

Conclusions:

Collectively, finding from the current study indicated that GSTT1 null polymorphism may be susceptible on childhood acute leukemia among Chinese.
An Evaluation of the Use of Seasonal Goal Lines to Improve the Accuracy of Curriculum-Based Measurement of Reading Decision Rule Recommendations
Authors: Van Norman Ethan R. , Nelson Peter M.
Published: September 2019

The current study evaluated whether goal-setting practices that account for seasonal developmental patterns of reading growth decreased the number of weeks data needed to be collected in order to yield accurate response to intervention decisions for a sample of 224 third-grade students. The extent to which more complex decision-making practices improve upon the accuracy of current frameworks across periods of 4 to 8 weeks was also explored. Spring proficiency status on a curriculum-based measurement of reading assessment was used as the reference for classification accuracy. Using a goal line based upon fall to winter grade-level benchmarks tended to produce higher levels of accuracy, kappa, and sensitivity than goal lines based upon fall to spring benchmarks. Collectively, the observed results highlight the potential benefit of establishing seasonal goal lines and suggest that relatively simplistic and accessible approaches to decision-making may result in similar decisions when compared with analytically complex approaches.
The Evolution of Endovascular Management of Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Cornwall James W. , Png Maximilian C. Y. , Tadros Rami O. , Han Daniel K. , Marin Michael L. , Faries Peter L.
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms (ECCAs) are rare pathologies with various etiologies, presentations, and management strategies. Historically, open aneurysm resection and arterial repair have been the gold standard management of ECCAs. Our study examines the evolving experience with endovascular management of ECCAs.

Methods:

We performed a literature review of multiple studies on endovascular and open management of carotid artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms.

Conclusions:

Endovascular stenting is technically feasible and clinically effective for the treatment of carotid artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. Further follow-up is required regarding long-term safety and efficacy.
A smart city used low-latency seamless positioning system based on inverse global navigation satellite system technology
Authors: Zou Deyue , Niu Shutong , Chen Shuhao , Su Binhong , Cheng Xinyi , Liu Jie , Liu Yunfeng , Li Yang
Published: September 2019

People have to move between indoor and outdoor frequently in city scenarios. The global navigation satellite system signal cannot provide reliable indoor positioning services. To solve the problem, this article proposes a seamless positioning system based on an inverse global navigation satellite system signal, which can extend the global navigation satellite system service into the indoor scenario. In this method, a signal source is arranged at a key position in the room, and the inverse global navigation satellite system signal is transmitted to the global navigation satellite system receiver to obtain a preset positioning result. The indoor positioning service is continued with the inertial navigation system after leaving the key position. The inverse global navigation satellite system seamless positioning system proposed in this article can unify indoor and outdoor positioning using the same receiver. The receiver does not need to re-receive navigation information when the scene changes, which avoids the switching process. Through the design of signal layer coverage, the receiver is in a warm start state, and the users can quickly fix the position when the scenario changes, realizing quick access in a true sense. This enables the ordinary commercial global navigation satellite system receiver to obtain indoor positioning capability without modification, and the algorithm can perform accurate positioning indoors and outdoors without switching.
The Effectiveness of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) on Diet Quality as Measured by the Healthy Eating Index
Authors: Perkins Sarah , Daley Angela , Yerxa Kathryn , Therrien Mona
Published: September 2019

The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between participation in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and food-related behavior change, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2005, using a single-state, case study approach. Pre-EFNEP and post-EFNEP participation HEI scores as well as demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and program participation characteristics from fiscal years 2013-2016 were analyzed using summary statistics and Ordinary Least Squares regressions. HEI scores were adjusted for age, sex, race, rural/urban residence, county, highest grade achieved, income, number of children, public assistance programs, and number of hours in EFNEP in the analysis. The total HEI score and several HEI subscores improved from pre-EFNEP to post-EFNEP at the 5% significance level or better. Sodium and total grains scores decreased post-EFNEP: P = .003 and P = .05, respectively. Participation in Women, Infants, and Children or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program had no effect on HEI scores or changes in scores post-EFNEP. Spending less than 7 hours in the program was associated with a smaller improvement in total HEI score ( P = .05) and an increased intake of sodium ( P = .03), compared with spending 7 to 16 hours in the program. Overall, EFNEP participation was associated with improvements in diet quality.
Transvenous embolization for craniocervical junction epidural arteriovenous fistula with a pial feeder aneurysm
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Sato Shinsuke , Inoue Tatsuya , Ryu Bikei , Shima Shogo , Mochizuki Tatsuki , Kuwamoto Kentaro , Okada Yoshikazu , Niimi Yasunari
Published: September 2019

Arteriovenous fistulas at the craniocervical junction are rare vascular malformations with frequent hemorrhagic presentations, which may have a concurrent pial feeder aneurysm. A 65-year-old man presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and angiography showed an epidural arteriovenous fistula at the C-2 level with an anterior spinal feeder aneurysm without perimedullary venous drainage. Transarterial coil embolization of the ruptured aneurysm and partial Onyx embolization of the shunt led to thrombosis of the aneurysm. However, three years later angiography showed an increased shunt flow and recurrence of the aneurysm. Transvenous embolization of the shunt using coils and Onyx yielded complete obliteration of the shunt, thus leading to occlusion of the aneurysm. This case demonstrates that partial transarterial embolization of arteriovenous fistula leaves a risk of rebleeding, whereas complete obliteration of the shunt with a transvenous approach can lead to disappearance of the flow-related aneurysm without embolization of the aneurysm itself.
Treatment of true posterior communicating artery aneurysms: Endovascular experience in a single center
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Ying , Li Wenqiang , Wang Kun , Zhang Yisen , Yang Xinjian
Published: September 2019

Background and objective

The true posterior communicating artery (TPCoA) aneurysms are rare and endovascular treatment for such lesions is limited in literature.

Methods

From January 2012 to March 2017, eight TPCoA aneurysms were treated endovascularly and included in our present study. The procedural complication and outcomes were assessed.

Results

Seven of eight aneurysms (87.5%) were ruptured. Stent-assisted coiling was used in one case that a stent was deployed via PCoA-ipsilateral P2 segment. The dual-microcatheter technique was used in one case. The remaining six cases were treated by coiling alone. One patient (12.5%) suffered perioperative complication, of which a coil herniated into parent vessel during the procedure without symptomatic stroke or other adverse event after the procedure. The initial embolization results showed complete occlusion in five cases and residual neck in three. Six patients (75%) had a mean of 15-month angiographic follow-up and two of them revealed recurrence (33.3%). Clinical follow-up was available in seven patients (87.5%) and all patients showed favorable clinical outcome with mRS score 0.

Conclusion

TPCoA aneurysms are rare and challenging lesions with high rupture rate in literatures. Endovascular treatment may be a feasible alternative for TPCoA aneurysms. Primary coiling, as well as adjunctive strategies, such as stent-assisted coiling or dual catheter techniques may be considered. Further study in a larger population is necessary.
Exploring harnessing wind power in moving reference frames with application to vehicles
Authors: Goushcha Oleg , Felicissimo Robert , Danesh-Yazdi Amir H , Andreopoulos Yiannis
Published: September 2019

The possibility of extracting wind power from unique configurations embedded in moving vehicles using microturbine devices has been investigated. In such environments with moving frames or platforms, powered either by humans like bicycles or by chemical reactions like automobiles, the specific power of the air motion is much greater and less intermittent than in stationary wind turbines anchored to the ground in open atmospheric conditions. In a translational frame of reference, the rate of work done by the drag force acting on the wind harnessing device due to the relative motion of air should be taken into account in the overall performance evaluation through an energy balance. A device with a venting tube has been tested that connects a high-pressure stagnating flow region in the front of the vehicle with a low-pressure region at its rear. Our analysis identified two key areas to focus on for potentially significant rewards: (1) vehicles with high energy conversion efficiency, which require a high mass flow rate through the venting duct, and (2) vehicles with low energy conversion efficiency with wakes, which will be globally affected by the introduction of the venting duct device in a manner that reduces their drag so that there is a net gain in power generation.