bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired mobility associated with an increased likelihood of death in children: A systematic review
Authors: Nissen Sally , Purssell Edward , Shaw Karen , Bailey Cara , Efstathiou Nikolaos , Dunford Carolyn
Published: October 2017

Improved identification of children with an increased likelihood of death can support appropriate provision of integrated palliative care. This systematic review aims to consider immobility and the associated likelihood of death in children with disabilities, living in high-income countries. Two reviewers independently searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, OpenGrey and Science Citation Index (1990–2016) for studies that reported hazard ratios (HRs) and relative risk for the likelihood of death related to impaired mobility. Nine papers were included. Three studies reported functioning using the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) and the remaining studies reported measures of functioning unique to the study. The strongest single prognostic factor for the likelihood of death was ‘lack of sitting ability at 24 months’, HR 44.4 (confidence interval (CI) 6.1–320.8) followed by GMFCS V HR 16.3 (CI 5.6–47.2) and 11.4 (CI 3.76–35.57) and ‘not able to cruise by 24 months’, HR 14.4 (CI 3.5–59.2). Immobility is associated with an increased risk of dying over study periods, but different referent groups make clinical interpretation challenging. Overall, the quality of evidence is moderate. The findings suggest that immobility can support identification of children who may benefit from integrated palliative care.
When less is more: From kitchen space assessments to food security for mobile and stationary recreational vehicle dwellers
Authors: McGonagall Odhran M. , Lee Seunghae
Published: October 2017

This study examined full-time recreational vehicle dwellers in the USA and revealed that mobile and stationary recreational vehicle dwellers were mainly the ‘young-old’ and those entering retirement ages, at an average of 60 years of age. Many recreational vehicle dwellers on limited incomes were found to occupy their recreational vehicles on a permanent basis. Because food security definitions require adequate space for food security, it was assumed that food strategies and food security in limited spaces such as the recreational vehicle might differ among mobile and stationary recreational vehicle dwellers based on their income levels and ability to comply with expected social and cultural standards for housing and recreational vehicle populations. By comparing mobile and stationary recreational vehicle dwellers and further grouping recreational vehicle dwellers as those over and under 65 years of age, this study examined how personal assessments varied in terms of kitchen space, food security and related household food strategies.

This study focused on kitchen space assessments and their relation to food security. The stationary full-time occupancy of the recreational vehicles as primary housing is not regulated by law or housing codes. Thus, this study's results will be valuable to understanding aged individuals' housing perceptions and needs in order to provide foundational information for policy and regulation development for alternative housing, such as recreational vehicles and smaller dwellings.
Systematic review on the interaction between office light conditions and occupational health: Elucidating gaps and methodological issues
Authors: van Duijnhoven J. , Aarts M. P. J. , Aries M. B. C. , Rosemann A. L. P. , Kort H. S. M.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) recommends researchers to investigate a wide variety of behavioural and health outcomes. However, researchers often investigate only a part of occupational health (OH) in relation to light. A literature study (2002–2017) regarding the relationship between office lighting conditions and OH was performed to identify gaps and methodological issues.

Method

The OH outcomes investigated in this paper were grouped according to the International Classification of Diseases and analysed per category: physical and physiological health, mental health, eye health, sleep parameters and visual comfort.

Results

Findings from the literature study (20 eligible papers) showed that all OH aspects were mostly but not exclusively measured subjectively. Furthermore, most studies investigated only a fraction of office lighting parameters and OH aspects.

Conclusions

It seems that Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) and illuminance mainly correlate with OH. However, this may also be explained by gaps and methodological issues in studies described in eligible papers. Based on the literature study, an overview was composed elucidating gaps and methodological issues of office lighting and OH studies. It can be used to design and target the purpose of light and health research.
A review of privacy and usability issues in mobile health systems: Role of external factors
Authors: Katusiime Jane , Pinkwart Niels
Published: October 2017

The increased penetration of mobile devices has created opportunities in the health sector and led to emerging of mobile health systems. As much as the mobile health systems have registered tremendous progress, they have been faced with privacy and usability issues. Due to the sensitivity of health information, there is an ethical need to equip mobile health systems with adequate privacy measures. However, these systems should also be useable by the intended users. Even though many researchers are working on solutions, the issues still persist. External factors such as cultural differences have also contributed to the issues, yet they have been under researched. In this article, we conduct a systematic literature review of 22 articles, categorize and present privacy and usability issues and possible solutions. We then discuss the relevance and implications of external factors to the findings on privacy and usability. We end with recommendations to address these external factors.
Physician communication via Internet-enabled technology: A systematic review
Authors: Barr Neil G , Randall Glen E , Archer Norman P , Musson David M
Published: October 2017

The use of Internet-enabled technology (information and communication technology such as smartphone applications) may enrich information exchange among providers and, consequently, improve health care delivery. The purpose of this systematic review was to gain a greater understanding of the role that Internet-enabled technology plays in enhancing communication among physicians. Studies were identified through a search in three electronic platforms: the Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library, ProQuest, and Web of Science. The search identified 5140 articles; of these, 21 met all inclusion criteria. In general, physicians were satisfied with Internet-enabled technology, but consensus was lacking regarding whether Internet-enabled technology improved efficiency or made a difference to clinical decision-making. Internet-enabled technology can play an important role in enhancing communication among physicians, but the extent of that benefit is influenced by (1) the impact of Internet-enabled technology on existing work practices, (2) the availability of adequate resources, and (3) the nature of institutional elements, such as privacy legislation.
Demystifying “Little Pink”: The creation and evolution of a gendered label for nationalistic activists in China
Authors: Fang Kecheng , Repnikova Maria
Published: October 2017

In 2016, Little Pink has emerged as the label for a new wave of female-led cyber-nationalism in China. While increasingly popularized in media and online discourses, little is known about the evolution of this label and its significance for our understanding of China’s digital activism. This article takes the first step at unraveling the Little Pink mystery by examining its origins and contestation in China’s online community during the cross-strait memes war of 2016 when mainland nationalists mobilized to challenge Taiwan’s election results. Drawing on multifaceted digital data, this study shows that Little Pink was an invented label and that gender was used by conflicting cyber groups in their attempts at reframing the imagery of nationalism. More broadly, this article demonstrates that cyber-nationalism is a phenomenon contested across different digital groups in China, and it should be analyzed more as a case of ambivalence in digital activism than as a manifestation of state propaganda or growing radical nationalism in contemporary China.
Energy harvesting from suspension system and self-powered vibration control for a seven degree of freedom vehicle model
Authors: Bazios Panagiotis , Khoshnoud Farbod , Esat Ibrahim
Published: October 2017

Traditionally, a quarter-car model and a sky-hook controller are employed to derive analytical expressions that describe conditions for self-powered operation. The main contribution of this work consists in using a seven degree of freedom vehicle model to determine numerically the condition for self-powered operation of an active suspension system with electromagnetic actuators. The performance of proportional–integral–derivative, linear quadratic regulator, and fuzzy Logic suspension controllers that employ feedback information for heave, pitch, and roll motion is evaluated under self-powered operation. An objective function consisting of a weighted sum of performance measures, including root mean square values for accelerations, road holding, actuator travel, and power regeneration capability, is used to determine equivalent actuator damping values and controller gains that enhance self-powered operation. The resulting optimal designs for each control strategies are compared by means of frequency responses to evaluate their performance and power regeneration capability, as well as to determine the effect of self-powered operation on these characteristics. This investigation shows that the performance of a self-powered active suspension systems, based on heave, pitch, and roll motion information, can be optimized to approach that of an active suspension system with external power supply; the degree of degradation depends on the particular suspension controller and the design objectives that are adopted. The performance improvement compared to a suspension system designed using a quarter car model and a sky-hook controller is also presented.
‘I heard a dog cry’: More-than-human interrelatedness, ethnicity and zootherapy in South Korean civil society discourse about dog meat consumption
Authors: Dugnoille Julien
Published: October 2017

Korean diet is heavily based on meat. This is connected to a discursive tradition that associates the consumption of specific animal products with medicinal virtues. When justifying the use of nonhuman animals as curative commodities, Koreans often engage with ideologies about zootherapy, pure blood and ethnicity beyond the human world. Furthermore, alongside civil and state society discourse about South Korea’s ‘uniqueness’ as a nation (cf. concepts of jeong, uri, han, gi and Minjok literature), my participants also mobilized folk beliefs about care and necessary harm in the handling, treatment and processing of nonhuman animal bodies. Bringing together classic anthropological debates about primordial and instrumental ethnicity with a human geographical analysis of the shaping of East Asian post-industrial more-than-human landscapes, this paper examines civil society discourses about more-than-human interrelatedness, cultural uniqueness and bloodlines connected to dog meat consumption in South Korea.
A fresh approach to interior lighting design: The design objective – direct flux procedure
Authors: Cuttle C
Published: October 2017

A new lighting design procedure is proposed based on how lighting influences the appearance of indoor spaces and their contents. Exitance is the measure of the density of luminous flux (lm/m2) exiting, or emerging from, a surface, and provides an effective basis for relating the quantity and distribution of lighting to peoples' assessments of its visual effects. The procedure guides users from identifying selected lighting design objectives relating to how peoples' assessments of appearance are affected by lighting, to developing a specification for the direct flux distribution that will optimally achieve those objectives. Applications can range from basic to complex. A selection of previously published lighting concepts is reviewed in the light of recently published research, and based on these concepts, the procedure takes the form of a downloadable spreadsheet that enables users to prioritise between efficient flux utilisation and achievement of design-oriented objectives. While it is recognised that more research is needed before the procedure could be adopted for general application, the aim of this paper is to demonstrate the opportunities offered by a practical alternative to current lighting practice.
The Relationship between Governance Networks and Social Networks: Progress, Problems and Prospects
Authors: Ramia Gaby , Patulny Roger , Marston Greg , Cassells Kyla
Published: October 2017

A governance networks literature that uses social network analysis has emerged, but research tends to be more technical than conceptual. This restricts its accessibility and usefulness for non-quantitative scholars and practitioners alike. Furthermore, the literature has not adequately appreciated the importance of informal networking for the effective operation of governance networks. This can hinder inter-disciplinary analysis. Through a critical review, this article identifies four areas of challenge for the governance networks literature and offers four corresponding, complementary sets of concepts from the social network analysis field: (a) the difference between policy networks and governance networks, (b) the role and status of people in governance networks, (c) the ‘dark side’ of networks and the role of power differentials within them and (d) network evaluation and the question of ‘what works’ in network management. The article argues that a less technical, more accessible account of social network analysis offers an additional lens through which to view governance networks.
Post-Crash Neoliberalism in Theory and Practice
Authors: Whitham Ben
Published: October 2017

Despite the massive state interventions into financial markets following the crash of 2007, the academic literature on the political-economic theory and practice of neoliberalism – a phenomenon often (mis)identified as equivalent to ‘free market’ fundamentalism or a second wave of laissez-faire – has continued to flourish, rather than decline in the post-crash era. This article discusses three recent books that offer insights into the resilience of neoliberalism in theory and practice. While all three books were published shortly before the onset of the new political crisis in the West, represented by Brexit, Trump and the rise of the far right, it is argued, here, that their analyses of post-crash neoliberalism in theory and practice offer useful clues as to what may lie ahead.

Ban C (2016) Ruling Ideas: How Global Neoliberalism Goes Local. Oxford University Press: New York, 301pp.

Davison S and Harris K (eds) (2015) The Neoliberal Crisis. London: Lawrence & Wishart, 112pp.

Hoskins A and Tulloch J (2016) Risk and Hyperconnectivity: Media and Memories of Neoliberalism. New York: Oxford University Press, 333pp.
Coloring Memories and Imaginations of “Home”: Crafting a De/Colonizing Autoethnography
Authors: Bhattacharya Kakali
Published: October 2017

In this postcolonial gendered autoethnography, I critically examine how my understanding of home was first imprinted and how, once dislocated, I have negotiated my desire for and imagination of home. I argue that colonialism and patriarchy are interconnected structures of oppression that contribute to individuals’ understandings of home. For transnationals, a dislocated understanding of home need not result from migration but can arise long before oceans are crossed. Specifically, I emphasize how readily the notion of home is romanticized, silencing disruptive understandings of home. I trace how trauma-infused understandings of home reveal the consequences of feeling continuously uprooted and exiled. Thus, the fragmentations surrounding the notions of home, old country, and new country show movements in liminalities, where “home” is a site of experience, memory, desire, hope, and imagination.
The Mistaken Birth and Adoption of LNT: An Abridged Version
Authors: Calabrese Edward J.
Published: October 2017

The historical foundations of cancer risk assessment were based on the discovery of X-ray-induced gene mutations by Hermann J. Muller, its transformation into the linear nonthreshold (LNT) single-hit theory, the recommendation of the model by the US National Academy of Sciences, Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation I, Genetics Panel in 1956, and subsequent widespread adoption by regulatory agencies worldwide. This article summarizes substantial recent historical revelations of this history, which profoundly challenge the standard and widely acceptable history of cancer risk assessment, showing multiple significant scientific errors and incorrect interpretations, mixed with deliberate misrepresentation of the scientific record by leading ideologically motivated radiation geneticists. These novel historical findings demonstrate that the scientific foundations of the LNT single-hit model were seriously flawed and should not have been adopted for cancer risk assessment.
Outstanding Challenges in Scientific Research on Mindfulness and Meditation
Authors: Davidson Richard J. , Dahl Cortland J.
Published: October 2017

Van Dam et al. raise a number of critical issues in contemporary research on mindfulness and meditation and offer a prescriptive agenda for future work in this area. While we agree with all of the key points made in their article, there are a number of important issues omitted that are central to a comprehensive agenda for future research in this area. This commentary highlights five key points: (a) Many of the key methodological issues the article raises are not specific to research on mindfulness; (b) contemplative practices are varied, and the landscape of modern scientific research has evolved to focus almost exclusively on one or two types of practice to the exclusion of other forms of practice that are potentially highly impactful; (c) mindfulness and related contemplative practices were not originally developed to treat disease; (d) key issues of duration, intensity and spacing of practice, and the extent to which formal meditation practice is required or whether practice can be piggybacked onto other non–cognitively demanding activities of daily living (e.g., commuting) remain as among the most important practical questions for disseminating these practices more widely, yet have received scant serious research attention; and (e) the use of mobile technology in both disseminating contemplative training and assessing its impact is going to be required to solve some of the key methodological challenges in this area including standardizing training across sites and addressing individual differences (which will require very large- N studies).
Coach, parent, and administrator perspectives on required coaching education in organized youth sport
Authors: Bolter Nicole D. , Petranek Laura Jones , Dorsch Travis E.
Published: October 2017

Previous studies have primarily relied on coaches’ perspectives about whether and how to provide formal coaching education in youth sport. This study was designed to highlight multiple perspectives from key stakeholders (i.e., coaches, parents, and administrators) about the need for required formal coaching education programs in a youth sport community. We applied Bronfenbrenner’s process-person-context-time framework to understand views on required coaching education and children’s development through sport from an ecological vantage. The sample included 202 coaches, 309 parents, and 38 administrators who were involved in youth sport. In an online survey, participants were asked whether they agreed or disagreed that coaching education should be required, followed by an open-ended question asking them to elaborate on their answer. Quantitatively, the majority of participants agreed or strongly agreed that coaching education should be required. Inductive–deductive qualitative analyses resulted in 49 lower order themes representing 11 higher order themes that spanned the four categories of the process-person-context-time framework. Themes highlighted both convergence and divergence among the perspectives of coaches, parents, and administrators about why coaching education should or should not be required.
When and why is the forgotten past recovered? The Battle of Warsaw, 1920 and the role of local actors in the production of memory
Authors: Ochman Ewa
Published: October 2017

Memory scholars mostly agree that although social memory is culturally constructed, political and institutional actors encounter various constraints when adapting the past to their group’s needs and values. The aim of this article is to revisit this old question of the malleability and persistence of the past but in the context of the intensive memory production that emerged during a period of rapid change in post-communist transitional states. First, the article probes the question why some collective memories re-emerge after a long period of suppression while others do not. And second, it examines the conditions under which local rather than national actors become more successful in recovering the forgotten past. The focus is on Poland; its distinct history of frequent ruptures in the continuity of commemorative tradition not only opens up opportunities for less constrained work of remembrance but also for repositioning the standing of national and local agents of memory production.
Meta-analysis of studies comparing oncologic outcomes of radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Cozzi Gabriele , Musi Gennaro , Bianchi Roberto , Bottero Danilo , Brescia Antonio , Cioffi Antonio , Cordima Giovanni , Delor Maurizio , Di Trapani Ettore , Ferro Matteo , Matei Deliu Victor , Russo Andrea , Mistretta Francesco Alessandro , De Cobelli Ottavio
Published: October 2017

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare oncologic outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) with brachytherapy (BT).

Methods:

A literature review was conducted according to the ‘Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses’ (PRISMA) statement. We included studies reporting comparative oncologic outcomes of RP versus BT for localized prostate cancer (PCa). From each comparative study, we extracted the study design, the number and features of the included patients, and the oncologic outcomes expressed as all-cause mortality (ACM), PCa-specific mortality (PCSM) or, when the former were unavailable, as biochemical recurrence (BCR). All of the data retrieved from the selected studies were recorded in an electronic database. Cumulative analysis was conducted using the Review Manager version 5.3 software, designed for composing Cochrane Reviews (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Statistical heterogeneity was tested using the Chi-square test.

Results:

Our cumulative analysis did not show any significant difference in terms of BCR, ACM or PCSM rates between the RP and BT cohorts. Only three studies reported risk-stratified outcomes of intermediate- and high-risk patients, which are the most prone to treatment failure.

Conclusions:

our analysis suggested that RP and BT may have similar oncologic outcomes. However, the analysis included a limited number of studies, and most of them were retrospective, making it impossible to derive any definitive conclusion, especially for intermediate- and high-risk patients. In this scenario, appropriate urologic counseling remains of utmost importance.
Viewpoints of Parents and Nurses on How to Design Products to Enhance Parent–Infant Bonding at Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Qualitative Study Based on Existing Designs
Authors: Schrauwen Laura , Kommers Deedee R. , Oetomo Sidarto Bambang
Published: October 2017

Aim:

To investigate how product design can be used to improve parent–infant bonding in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Background:

Impaired parent–infant bonding is an inevitable consequence of premature birth, which negatively influences development. Products, systems, or services that support the bonding process might counter these negative influences.

Method:

The first step was to trace existing products by performing a literature search in PubMed, the university library, and Google. The identified existing designs were then used in semistructured interviews with nurses and parents to get insights into their desires and recommendations for product design to enhance bonding. Interviews contained open questions and a multiple-choice questionnaire based on the literature search.

Results:

In total, 17 existing design types were used in interviews with 11 parents and 23 nurses. All nurses explicitly stated that practicality was the first criterion designs aimed at enhancing bonding definitely had to meet. All parents indicated that they would like to use a design to enhance bonding if that would contribute to their child’s health and development. For both parents and nurses, the most valuable way to enhance bonding seemed to be products to improve Kangaroo care; however, their specific desires varied substantially. Therefore, seven recurring themes were defined, resulting in nine general recommendations and six opportunities intended to enhance parent–infant bonding.

Conclusion:

This study provides design recommendations and opportunities based on parents’ and nurses’ expert opinions. Designing to enhance bonding is considered valuable; however, designs should match the stakeholders’ desires and conditions.
Alert Workplace From Healthcare Workers’ Perspective: Behavioral and Environmental Strategies to Improve Vigilance and Alertness in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Sagah Zadeh Rana , Shepley Mardelle , Sadatsafavi Hessam , Owora Arthur Hamie , Krieger Ana C.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

This study aims to identify the behavioral and environmental strategies that healthcare workers view as helpful for managing sleepiness, improving alertness, and therefore optimizing workplace safety.

Background:

Reduced alertness is a common issue in healthcare work environments and is associated with impaired cognitive performance and decision-making ability as well as increased errors and injuries.

Method:

We surveyed 136 healthcare professionals at a primary care clinic, an acute care hospital, and a mental health clinic. Nonstructured, semistructured, and structured questionnaires were used to elicit relevant information which was analyzed using qualitative content analysis and logistic regression models, respectively.

Results:

In order by frequency of endorsement: dietary intervention; physical mobility; cognitive, sensory, or social stimulation; personal lifestyle strategies; and rest/nap opportunities were reported as behavioral strategies used to address workplace alertness. Compared to other environmental features, daylight and thermal comfort were perceived to be more important to addressing workplace alertness ( p < .05).

Conclusions:

By optimizing the physical environment and organizational policies and providing education programs, we have an opportunity to support healthcare professionals in managing sleepiness and maintaining alertness at work. In addition, such system level interventions may reduce unhealthy choices such as frequent caffeine intake to keep alert. The development of multidisciplinary evidence-based guidelines is needed to address sleepiness and alertness to improve workplace safety in healthcare facilities.
Limited Evidence Suggests a Protective Association Between Oral Contraceptive Pill Use and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Females: A Systematic Review
Authors: Samuelson Kathleen , Balk Ethan M. , Sevetson Erika L. , Fleming Braden C.
Published: October 2017

Context:

Female athletes aged 14 to 18 years are at particular risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Hormonal factors are thought to predispose them to this injury. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) might reduce ACL injury risk, although the literature appears controversial.

Objective:

To evaluate the association between OCP use and ACL injuries in women. The secondary objective was to determine the rates of ACL injuries in the pre- and postovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle in OCP and non-OCP (NOCP) users.

Data Sources:

Searches were performed across 4 reference databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane), abstracts from 6 specialty societies, ClinicalTrials.gov , and reference lists of relevant papers.

Study Selection:

We included studies investigating the association between OCP use and ACL injuries in females of any age or the distribution of ACL injuries across the menstrual cycle in OCP and NOCP users.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Data Extraction:

Data regarding study design, population characteristics, OCP details, outcome definitions, analytic methods, and results were extracted from the included studies. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results:

The search yielded 1305 citations, of which 7 retrospective observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Two large case-control studies with higher methodological quality suggested that OCP use may reduce the risk of sustaining an ACL injury. Five comparative studies examining injury distribution across the menstrual cycle in OCP and NOCP users had conflicting findings, were heterogeneous, and were limited by low methodological quality.

Conclusion:

The evidence suggests OCP use may reduce the risk of ACL injury; however, no conclusions can be drawn regarding differences in risk of ACL injuries between OCP and NOCP users across the menstrual cycle. Studies were limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and methodological concerns.
Treatment with insulin analogs and prevalence of cardiovascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hasslacher Christoph , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo
Published: October 2017

Background:

A lower incidence of cardiovascular events has been reported in type 2 diabetes patients treated with insulin analogs (IAs). Corresponding data on people affected by type 1 diabetes are not available yet.

Methodology:

We investigated demographic and clinical data from 509 type 1 diabetics, who were treated in an outpatient clinic from 2006 to 2012. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between the type of insulin treatment and the prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) complications, that is, presence of coronary heart, cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial diseases, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results:

Results from multiple logistic regression revealed that patients with impaired renal function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min] show lower CV complication rates when treated with IAs (25%) compared with patients treated with human insulin (HI; 28%) and HI/IA (38%, p = 0.06). CV complication rates in the complete patient collective amounted to 17% (IA), 21% (HI) and 21% (HI/IA, p = 0.08). Examination of CV complications according to the type of IA revealed the lowest complication rates in type 1 diabetics treated with insulin lispro (5.9%) and glargine (16%). However, complication rate differences among insulin treatments did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion:

The present cross-sectional study shows a borderline significantly lower CV morbidity in people with type 1 diabetes and impaired renal function when treated with IA compared with HI treatment after adjustment for multiple potential confounders [odds ratio (OR) = 0.78, which translates into a 22% lower complication rate]. Validation of these preliminary findings in confirmatory, prospective studies may have important clinical implications.
Myocardial remodelling and recovery in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tayal Upasana , Prasad Sanjay K
Published: October 2017

Myocardial reverse remodeling has been reported to occur in 25–70% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. It is not yet fully understood whether remodeling represents disease remission or cure and which hearts retain this capacity to recover. In this review article we discuss the capacity for recovery in DCM, the prognostic implications of this recovery and potential clinical and imaging predictors for myocardial remodeling.
Migraine, menopause and hormone replacement therapy
Authors: MacGregor E Anne
Published: October 2017

Perimenopause marks a period of increased migraine prevalence in women and many women also report troublesome vasomotor symptoms. Migraine is affected by fluctuating estrogen levels with evidence to support estrogen ‘withdrawal’ as a trigger of menstrual attacks of migraine without aura, while high estrogen levels can trigger migraine aura. Maintaining a stable estrogen environment with estrogen replacement can benefit estrogen-withdrawal migraine particularly in women who would also benefit from relief of vasomotor symptoms. In contrast to contraceptive doses of ethinylestradiol, migraine aura does not contraindicate use of physiological doses of natural estrogen. In women with migraine with or without aura, using only the lowest doses of transdermal estrogen necessary to control vasomotor symptoms minimizes the risk of unwanted side effects. Cyclical progestogens can have an adverse effect on migraine so continuous progestogens, as provided by the levonorgestrel intrauterine system or in continuous combined transdermal preparation, are preferred. There are no data on the effect of micronized progesterone on migraine, either cyclical or continuous. Non-hormonal options for both conditions are limited but there is evidence of efficacy for escitalopram and venflaxine.
The politics behind social protection in Nepal
Authors: Drucza Kristie
Published: October 2017

This article is a qualitative case study on the political dimensions of social protection reforms in post-conflict Nepal. The article examines vertical versus horizontal party structures and the political economy of support for different parties, and how this relates to their social protection policies to help unpack gaps in the literature and provide a deeper understanding of both the constraints and opportunities for reform. Drawing on key informant interviews conducted in Nepal between 2012 and 2014, the article describes the attitudes of members of the main Nepalese political parties towards social protection, and analyses the proposals on social protection within party manifestos. It discusses the role of social protection in democratisation as well as limitations towards constructing a democratic welfare state grounded in the kind of clientelistic and patronage party politics that continue to dominate the political landscape in Nepal today. The article is relevant to those in the ‘thinking and working politically’ aid movement and those working towards social protection reforms in clientelist states.
The Effectiveness of a Training Program Based on Goal Orientations Among Jordanian Students
Authors: Atoum Adnan Yousef , Abu-Hilal Hind Hussain
Published: October 2017

The present study aimed at exploring the effectiveness of a training program based on goal orientations. A sample of 69 female students at Tala’ Al-Ali School in Jordan was chosen and distributed randomly into the experimental and control groups. To achieve the objectives of this study, the researchers had constructed training program to modify students’ types of goal orientation. Also, the researchers developed the goal orientation scale and obtained good validity and reliability indicators. The results showed that there was a significant statistical difference at the level of α ≤ .05 in the postscores of the goal orientation domains in favor of the experimental group. In addition, there was no statistical difference at the level of α ≤ .05 between the posttest and delayed scores in the experimental group indicating the continuity of the effect of the training program on the experimental group.
Book Review: Deni Irineu Alfaro Rubbo (2016), Párias da terra: o MST e a mundialização da luta camponesa [Pariahs of the Earth: The MST and the Globalization of the Peasant Struggle]
Authors: Lima Débora Assumpção e
Published: October 2017

Deni Irineu Alfaro Rubbo (2016), Párias da terra: o MST e a mundialização da luta camponesa [Pariahs of the Earth: The MST and the Globalization of the Peasant Struggle]. São Paulo: Alameda, p. 323, R$ 52 (Brazil) USD 48.16.
Family Integrated Care (FICare) in Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors:   Alberta FICare Level II NICU Study Team, Benzies Karen M. , Shah Vibhuti , Aziz Khalid , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Palacio-Derflingher Luz , Scotland Jeanne , Larocque Jill , Mrklas Kelly , Suter Esther , Naugler Christopher , Stelfox Henry T. , Chari Radha , Lodha Abhay
Published: October 2017

Background

Every year, about 15 million of the world’s infants are born preterm (before 37 weeks gestation). In Alberta, the preterm birth rate was 8.7% in 2015, the second highest among Canadian provinces. Approximately 20% of preterm infants are born before 32 weeks gestation (early preterm), and require care in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); 80% are born moderate (32 weeks and zero days [320/7] to 336/7 weeks) and late preterm (340/7 to 366/7 weeks), and require care in a Level II NICU. Preterm birth and experiences in the NICU disrupt early parent-infant relationships and induce parental psychosocial distress. Family Integrated Care (FICare) shows promise as a model of care in Level III NICUs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate length of stay, infant and maternal clinical outcomes, and costs following adaptation and implementation of FICare in Level II NICUs.

Methods

We will conduct a pragmatic, cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) in ten Alberta Level II NICUs allocated to one of two groups: FICare or standard care. The FICare Alberta model involves three theoretically-based, standardized components: information sharing, parenting education, and family support. Our sample size of 181 mother-infant dyads per group is based on the primary outcome of NICU length of stay, 80% participation, and 80% retention at follow-up. Secondary outcomes (e.g., infant clinical outcomes and maternal psychosocial distress) will be assessed shortly after admission to NICU, at discharge and 2 months corrected age. We will conduct economic analysis from two perspectives: the public healthcare payer and society. To understand the utility, acceptability, and impact of FICare, qualitative interviews will be conducted with a subset of mothers at the 2-month follow-up, and with hospital administrators and healthcare providers near the end of the study.

Discussion

Results of this pragmatic cRCT of FICare in Alberta Level II NICUs will inform policy decisions by providing evidence about the clinical effectiveness and costs of FICare.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02879799. Registered on 27 May 2016. Protocol version: 9 June 2016; version 2.
Randomized trial of telephone versus in-person delivery of a brief psychosocial intervention in post-stroke depression
Authors: Kirkness Catherine J. , Cain Kevin C. , Becker Kyra J. , Tirschwell David L. , Buzaitis Ann M. , Weisman Pamela L. , McKenzie Sylvia , Teri Linda , Kohen Ruth , Veith Richard C. , Mitchell Pamela H.
Published: October 2017

Background

A psychosocial behavioral intervention delivered in-person by advanced practice nurses has been shown effective in substantially reducing post-stroke depression (PSD). This follow-up trial compared the effectiveness of a shortened intervention delivered by either telephone or in-person to usual care. To our knowledge, this is the first of current behavioral therapy trials to expand the protocol in a new clinical sample. 100 people with Geriatric Depression Scores ≥ 11 were randomized within 4 months of stroke to usual care (N = 28), telephone intervention (N = 37), or in-person intervention (N = 35). Primary outcome was response [percent reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)] and remission (HDRS score < 10) at 8 weeks and 12 months post treatment.

Results

Intervention groups were combined for the primary analysis (pre-planned). The mean response in HDRS scores was 39% reduction for the combined intervention group (40% in-person; 38% telephone groups) versus 33% for the usual care group at 8 weeks (p = 0.3). Remission occurred in 37% in the combined intervention groups at 8 weeks versus 27% in the control group (p = 0.3) and 44% intervention versus 36% control at 12 months (p = 0.5). While favouring the intervention, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

A brief psychosocial intervention for PSD delivered by telephone or in-person did not reduce depression significantly more than usual care. However, the comparable effectiveness of telephone and in-person follow-up for treatment of depression found is important given greater accessibility by telephone and mandated post-hospital follow-up for comprehensive stroke centers.

Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov, unique identifier: NCT01133106, Registered 5/26/2010
The impact of EU and Non-EU immigration on British wages
Authors: Nickell Stephen , Saleheen Jumana
Published: October 2017

There is a consensus among academics that immigration has little or no effect on native British wages, but these studies have not refined their analysis by occupations. Our contribution is to extend the literature to incorporate occupations. Doing so, we find that immigration has a small negative impact on average British wages, with a somewhat larger impact within the semi/unskilled service occupations. This paper also explores if there is any differential impact between EU and non-EU immigration on wages. We find there to be none. These findings are likely to be useful for shaping future immigration policy in Britain.

JEL Classification

J6
Vitamin D binding protein is lower in infertile patients compared to fertile controls: a case control study
Authors: Franasiak Jason , Shapses Sue , Sun Wei , Scott Richard , Wang Xiangbing
Published: October 2017

Background

The importance of vitamin D in general health as well as in human reproductive success has been an area of focus. A better understanding of vitamin D metabolism, particularly vitamin D binding protein, is important when elucidating this relationship.

Methods

This case control trial seeks to characterize vitamin D metabolism in infertile patients undergoing natural cycle IVF as compared to normally cycling premenopausal women with proven fertility matched for age and body mass index (BMI). A total of 68 subjects were examined; 39 were infertile premenopausal women and 29 were regularly cycling fertile controls. Their 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD), vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and albumin were measured and free and bioavailable 25OHD calculated. Between group comparisons were conducted with an unpaired t-test. A stepwise regression using age, BMI, 25OHD, estradiol & albumin in the model were used to determine predictors of DBP.

Results

Age, BMI, and total 25OHD did not differ between the two groups. However, vitamin D binding protein, free and bioavailable vitamin D were significantly different in the infertile patients as compared to the regularly cycling fertile controls (p < 0.01). Stepwise Regression using age, BMI, 25OHD, estradiol & albumin in the model showed that only albumin was a predictor of DBP (β-coefficient − 0.310; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The implications of lower vitamin D binding protein associated with infertility is not clear from this pilot study, and requires further study.
High-quality-draft genomic sequence of Paenibacillus ferrarius CY1T with the potential to bioremediate Cd, Cr and Se contamination
Authors: Li Jingxin , Guo Wei , Shi Manman , Cao Yajing , Wang Gejiao
Published: October 2017

Paenibacillus ferrarius CY1T (= KCTC 33419T = CCTCC AB2013369T) is a Gram-positive, aerobic, endospore-forming, motile and rod-shaped bacterium isolated from iron mineral soil. This bacterium reduces sulfate (SO42−) to S2−, which reacts with Cd(II) to generate precipitated CdS. It also reduces the toxic chromate [Cr(VI)] and selenite [Se(VI)] to the less bioavailable chromite [Cr(III)] and selenium (Se0), respectively. Thus, strain CY1T has the potential to bioremediate Cd, Cr and Se contamination, which is the main reason for the interest in sequencing its genome. Here we describe the features of strain CY1T, together with the draft genome sequence and its annotation. The 9,184,169 bp long genome exhibits a G + C content of 45.6%, 7909 protein-coding genes and 81 RNA genes. Nine putative Se(IV)-reducing genes, five putative Cr(VI) reductase and nine putative sulfate-reducing genes were identified in the genome.
Bioimaging of botulinum toxin and hyaluronate hydrogels using zwitterionic near-infrared fluorophores
Authors: Kim Ki Su , Kim Yun Seop , Bao Kai , Wada Hideyuki , Choi Hak Soo , Hahn Sei Kwang
Published: October 2017

Background

The injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) to reduce facial wrinkles is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. The biocompatible hydrogels are injected with BTX for effective tissue augmentation. However, it is difficult to determine the interval of injection for effective tissue augmentation.

Method

BTX and hyaluronate (HA) hydrogels were labeled with zwitterionic (ZW) near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores and visualized for 3 weeks after injection to BALB/c nude mice.

Results

BTX-ZW conjugates and diaminohexane (DAH)-HA-ZW hydrogels were successfully prepared by the conventional EDC/NHS chemistry. Using the NIR fluorescence imaging, we confirmed that approximately 10% of BTX-ZW conjugates and 50% of DAH-HA-ZW hydrogels remained 3 weeks post-injection.

Conclusion

This bioimaging technique using invisible NIR fluorescence light can be exploited for various biomedical applications.
Application of optimal transport and the quadratic Wasserstein metric to full-waveform inversion
Authors: Yang Yunan , Engquist Björn , Sun Junzhe , Hamfeldt Brittany F.
Published: October 2017

Conventional full-waveform inversion (FWI) using the least-squares norm as a misfit function is known to suffer from cycle-skipping issues that increase the risk of computing a local rather than the global minimum of the misfit. The quadratic Wasserstein metric has proven to have many ideal properties with regard to convexity and insensitivity to noise. When the observed and predicted seismic data are considered to be two density functions, the quadratic Wasserstein metric corresponds to the optimal cost of rearranging one density into the other, in which the transportation cost is quadratic in distance. Unlike the least-squares norm, the quadratic Wasserstein metric measures not only amplitude differences but also global phase shifts, which helps to avoid cycle-skipping issues. We have developed a new way of using the quadratic Wasserstein metric trace by trace in FWI and compare it with the global quadratic Wasserstein metric via the solution of the Monge-Ampère equation. We incorporate the quadratic Wasserstein metric technique into the framework of the adjoint-state method and apply it to several 2D examples. With the corresponding adjoint source, the velocity model can be updated using a quasi-Newton method. Numerical results indicate the effectiveness of the quadratic Wasserstein metric in alleviating cycle-skipping issues and sensitivity to noise. The mathematical theory and numerical examples demonstrate that the quadratic Wasserstein metric is a good candidate for a misfit function in seismic inversion.