bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biceps Tenodesis vs. Repair for Type II SLAP Tears in Patients Under 30 years-old
Authors: Nielen Dominic Van , Wilson Matthew , Hammond James , Joyner Patrick Wakefield
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Recent literature has demonstrated good results with biceps tenodesis (BT) following failed SLAP repair. However, it is still unclear if repair or BT provides better outcomes for treatment of type II SLAP tears. We hypothesize that treatment of type II SLAP tears with subpectoral biceps tenodesis vs SLAP repair improves functional outcomes while providing for shorter rehabilitation times.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients under 30 who underwent an open subpectoral biceps tenodesis or primary SLAP repair performed from Jan 1, 2007 to Jan 1, 2014. Patients were contacted and asked to fill out a questionnaire over the phone or via email. American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES), visual analog pain scale (VAS), demographics, and subsequent ipsilateral surgical procedures were collected.

Results:

55 patients underwent primary BT and 398 patients underwent primary SLAP repair during included period. 33 BT patients (60%) were successfully contacted, these were age and follow-up matched with 33 randomly selected SLAP repair patients. Average age was 25.7 and 26.4 for the SLAP and BT groups, respectively. Follow up averaged 3.5 years for the BT group and 5.1years for the SLAP group. Two patients in the BT group (6%) had a subsequent ipsilateral procedure compared to 5 in the SLAP group (15%), OR 2.78 (p=0.24). Average VAS scores (2.2 BT vs 2.8 SLAP) and ASES Scores (80.9 BT vs 71.7 SLAP) were both improved in the patients who underwent BT vs. primary SLAP repair.

Conclusion:

Superior labrum injuries are a common cause for shoulder pain. Our results suggest that primary biceps tenodesis provides improved functional results in active patients under 30 when compared to SLAP repair at minimum 2 year follow-up.
The Development and Validation of a Functional Assessment Tool for the Hip in the Athletic Population
Authors: Papaliodis Dean , Banffy Michael B. , Limpisvasti Orr , Mohr Karen , Mehran Nima , Photopoulos Christos Demetris , Kvitne Ronald S. , ElAttrache Neal S.
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

There are no validated functional assessments designed specifically to evaluate the performance and function of the athletic hip. There are subsections of validated outcomes that address recreation, but a full assessment dedicated to athletic hip function does not exist. Current hip scoring systems may not be sensitive to subtle changes in performance and function in an athletic, younger population. The scoring system developed in this study will be valid, reliable, and responsive in the evaluation of hip function in the athlete.

Methods:

Based on the results of a pilot questionnaire administered to 18 athletic individuals, a final 10-item questionnaire was developed. Two hundred and fifty healthy, competitive athletes from multiple sports completed the final questionnaire, as well as 3 established hip outcome assessments. Each athlete was self-assigned into injury categories including: (1) playing without hip/groin trouble, (2) playing, but with hip/groin trouble, and (3) not playing due to hip/groin trouble. Correlations between the scores and differences between injury categories were measured. Responsiveness testing was performed in an additional group of 24 injured athletes, comparing their scores before and after an intervention.

Results:

The new score showed high correlation with the modified Harris Hip Score, the non-arthritic hip score, and the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (i-hot 33). The new score stratified athletes by injury category and demonstrated responsiveness, accuracy and varied appropriately with improvements in injury category after treatment of injuries.

Conclusion:

The new Athletic Hip Score is valid, reliable and responsive for evaluation of the hip in an athletic population. The results support its use for the functional assessment of the hip in future studies.
Independent Risk Factors for Poor Outcome After Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Capogna Brian , Hamula Mathew , Begly John , Wolfson Theodore , Looze Christopher , Ryan Michael K. , Youm Thomas
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Hip arthroscopy has been an increasingly used tool in the treatment of labral tears, chondral defects and ligamentum teres lesions and has demonstrated efficacy in returning patients to function and relieving their pain. Despite this, failures continue to occur. Our understanding of risk factors for failure or poor outcome continues to evolve as larger cohorts of patients are available for study. We sought to identify risk factors for poor outcome in our patient population.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data for all patients undergoing hip arthroscopy by a single fellowship-trained surgeon was obtained. All patients were indicated for hip arthroscopy based on standard pre-operative examination as well as routine and advanced imaging. Baseline demographic data regarding patient age, gender, BMI was collected. Patients without two year follow-up were excluded. Baseline pre-operative modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) were compared to mHHS at two-year follow-up. “Poor outcome” of initial hip arthroscopy was defined as any combination of: requiring a revision procedure or conversion to THA or mHHS below 70. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for “poor outcome.”

Results:

258 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age (SD) and body mass index (BMI) were 40.4 years (12.7 years) and 25.6 (4.7) respectively. 62.8% (162/258) of the sample was female. Mean preoperative baseline mHHS was 49.6 (12.5) and average mHHS at two year follow-up was 83.6 (15.6), resulting in a mean improvement of 34.1 (p<0.001). Baseline and 2 year differencess in mHHS by demographic be found in Figures 1,2,3,. Overall revision/THA conversion rate was 16.7% (43/258), while another 10.5% (27/258) of patients reported outcome scores <70, resulting in 27.31% (70/258) having poor outcomes. Independent risk factors for poor outcome were female gender (OR 1.79; p=0.03), obesity (OR 2.1; p=0.04), and pre-operative mHHS lower than 40 (OR 3.34, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Our findings that female gender, obesity and poorer preoperative functional status increase the risk for failure of hip arthroscopy coincide and add to an increasing volume of literature examining risk factors for poor outcome after hip arthroscopy. These factors should be taken into consideration with operative indications as well as in counseling patients.
Comparison of Patient Reported Outcomes using PROMIS in Patients with Shoulder Pain
Authors: Strong Benjamin , Kenney Raymond James , Schaffer Joseph Christopher , Hedgecock Jon , Houck Jeff , Maloney Michael D. , Voloshin Ilya
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Compare a disease specific questionnaire (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES]) and a multidimensional global health scale (Patient reported outcome measurement system [PROMIS]) across a variety of shoulder conditions.

Methods:

The ASES (Pain subscore, Function subscore, and total score) and PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Pain Interference (PI), and Depression Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs) were collected on all clinic visits for two high volume shoulder surgeons over a 12-week period between 1/26/16 and 4/20/16. Data included all (n=123) records for new patient visits of patients over 18 years old for shoulder diagnoses of Impingement (M75.41, n=50), Pain (M25.11, n=30), Rotator Cuff Tear (M75.10, M75.12; n=12), Arthropathy (M12.9, n=12), Instability (M75.02, n=6), Adhesive Capsulitis (M75.02, n=4), and miscellaneous (n=9). Excluding diagnoses with small samples (n<10) Two way ANOVA’s (Diagnosis by Outcome Measure Domains) with age and gender as covariates were used to determine if specific diagnoses presented with different initial severity of pain, function, or depression. This was followed by univariate analysis to determine the associations between the disease specific ASES scores and non disease specific PROMIS domains. Correlations of r>0.7 were considered strong correlation, r>0.5 moderate, and <0.5 poor. All analyses were carried out using SPSS® version 22 (copyright 2013).

Results:

Two way ANOVA’s demonstrated no significant differences of ASES or PROMIS scores across diagnoses, suggesting similar levels of pain, function and depression across diagnoses. PROMIS PF was moderately associated with ASES Function (r=0.61, p<0.01), and ASES Total (r=0.59, p<0.01). PROMIS PI was strongly correlated to ASES Function (r=-0.71, p<0.01) and ASES Total (r=-0.74, p<0.01) as well as moderately correlated to ASES Pain (r=-0.56, P<0.01). ASES Pain had poor correlation to ASES Function (r=0.45, p<0.01). PROMIS Depression had poor correlation to all ASES domains.

Conclusion:

The non-disease specific PROMIS PF and PI demonstrated the ability to determine disease severity across shoulder diagnosis equal to an accepted disease specific scale (ASES). Furthermore, PROMIS PI had a stronger correlation to ASES Function than either PROMIS PF or the ASES Pain subscore and may more accurately describe the true affect of pain on a patient’s daily life. This data shows the potential for the universally available and emerging PROMIS instrument to track shoulder problems similar to a prior established disease specific instrument.
Environmental Pollutants and Neurodevelopment: Review of Benefits From Closure of a Coal-Burning Power Plant in Tongliang, China
Authors: Kalia Vrinda , Perera Frederica , Tang Deliang
Published: July 2017

Background. Understanding preventable causes of neurodevelopmental disorders is a public health priority. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from combustion of fossil fuel, lead, and mercury are among known neurodevelopmental toxicants. Method. For the first time, we comprehensively review the findings from a study by the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health and Chinese partners that followed 2 groups of mother-child pairs, one from 2002 and another from 2005, in Tongliang County, China. Pregnant mothers in the 2 cohorts experienced different exposure to PAH because a local coal-burning power plant was shut down in 2004. Investigators assessed change in prenatal PAH exposure, measured using a biomarker (benzo[a]pyrene [BaP]-DNA adducts in cord blood). Developmental quotients were measured using the Gesell Developmental Scales at age 2 and IQ was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children at age 5. Biologic markers of preclinical response were measured in cord blood: methylation status of long interspersed nuclear elements ( LINE1), an indicator of genomic stability, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuronal growth promoter. Analyses accounted for co-exposure to lead and mercury. Results. BaP-DNA adducts were significantly inversely associated with Gesell Developmental Scales scores in the first cohort but not in the second cohort; and levels of BDNF and LINE1 methylation were higher in the second cohort. Conclusion. In this study, reduced exposure to PAH was associated with beneficial effects on neurodevelopment as well as molecular changes related to improved brain development and health. These benefits should encourage further efforts to limit exposure to these toxic pollutants.
Impact of Oral Hygiene Discontinuation on Supragingival and Salivary Microbiomes
Authors: Belstrøm D. , Sembler-Møller M.L. , Grande M.A. , Kirkby N. , Cotton S.L. , Paster B.J. , Twetman S. , Holmstrup P.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the present study was to characterize and compare supragingival and salivary microbiotas during a 10-d period of oral hygiene discontinuation. We tested the hypothesis that the composition of the salivary microbiota will reflect local microbial changes associated with accumulated biofilm formation and maturation. Pooled supragingival plaque ( n = 145) and stimulated saliva ( n = 145) samples were collected and plaque and gingival indices were recorded from 29 orally healthy individuals at baseline, during oral hygiene discontinuation (days 4, 7, and 10), and 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene. Supragingival and salivary microbiotas were processed by next-generation sequencing (Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next Generation Sequencing) and microbial community profiles were compared. Microbial composition of supragingival plaque samples collected after 4, 7, and 10 d of oral hygiene discontinuation, as well as 14 d after reuptake of oral hygiene, differed significantly from baseline samples, by a 3-fold increase in relative abundance Leptotrichia species and a 2-fold decrease in Streptococcus species (adjusted P < 0.01). In saliva samples, a significant increase in relative abundance of Leptotrichia species (adjusted P < 0.01) was evident at day 7 but completely reversed 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene. While the salivary microbiota was resistant to accumulated local biofilm formation, data from this study showed that compositional changes of supragingival microbiotas were not reversed 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene, despite the restoration of plaque to baseline levels. ( ClinicalTrials.gov UCPH_OI_002, NCT02913235).

Knowledge Transfer Statement: Data from this study showed compositional changes of supragingival microbiotas as a consequence of a 10-d period of oral hygiene discontinuation, that was not reversed 14 d after resumption of oral hygiene. Notably, oral hygiene discontinuation was associated with a significant increase in relative abundance of potential cariogenic Leptotrichia species and a decrease in Streptococcus species. Thus, findings from this study highlight the necessity of regular oral hygiene in the maintenance of oral homeostasis.
The Role of Perioperative Anti-VEGF During Vitrectomy for Vitreous Hemorrhage in Relation to Postoperative Nonclearing Vitreous Hemorrhage and Cystoid Macular Edema
Authors: Nagpal Manish , Mehrotra Navneet , Vishnoi Avijit
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To assess the role of perioperative anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) on the incidence of rebleed and foveal thickness in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage due to retinal vascular disorders.

Design:

Retrospective, randomized, comparative interventional study.

Methods:

Three hundred twelve eyes were assigned to group A (eyes undergoing PPV without anti-VEGF, n = 165) and group B (eyes undergoing PPV with anti-VEGF, n = 147) and were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The incidence of rebleed and 1 month postoperative central foveal thickness (CFT) was recorded and analyzed.

Results:

The incidence of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage (POVH) in group A was 21.81%, which was significantly ( P = .025) higher than in group B (12.24%). Mean CFT in group A (289.24 ± 49.47 μm) was higher as compared to group B (263.42 ± 94.42), but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Perioperative intravitreal anti-VEGF given at the end of the surgery significantly reduces the incidence of POVH and helps in achieving better CFT postoperatively.
The Hot Sun and the Mad Moon: Hiroshima in South African Literature
Authors: McKay Daniel
Published: July 2017

In 1926 a new shipping route was established between Durban and Osaka, on which Laurens van der Post and William Plomer, fresh from their collaboration as writers for the literary magazine Voorslag, embarked as privileged passengers. The opportunity to reside in Japan would exercise a profound influence over the literary output of both figures, though in considerably different ways. This article revisits the 1926 sojourn in Japan as a formative moment in the lives of two South African writers that would subsequently be reformed, and to some extent deformed in their writings following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945. Though the sojourn itself deserves restitution to the annals of South African literary history, its true value, the author argues, does not lie in enlarging our understanding of literary trends associated with the interwar years so much as isolating the specific challenges and transmutations those self-same trends underwent in the aftermath of the atomic holocaust. As each writer struggled to reformulate his subjectivity, a prophetic mode of writing became increasingly central as a framing device by which Hiroshima could be “contained” and “approached” from afar. The events of 1926, along with van der Post's experience of imprisonment under the Japanese during the war years, were mobilized in the authorial imagination to serve that purpose.
High Frequency Evidence on the Demand for Gasoline
Authors: Levin Laurence , Lewis Matthew S. , Wolak Frank A.
Published: July 2017

Daily city-level expenditures and prices are used to estimate the price responsiveness of gasoline demand in the United States. Using a frequency of purchase model that explicitly acknowledges the distinction between gasoline demand and gasoline expenditures, the price elasticity of demand is consistently found to be an order of magnitude larger than estimates from recent studies using more aggregated data. Estimating demand using higher levels of spatial and temporal aggregation is shown to produce increasingly inelastic estimates. A decomposition is then developed and implemented to understand the relative importance of several different factors in explaining this result. (JEL C51, L71, Q35)
Police Officer on the Frontline or a Soldier? The Effect of Police Militarization on Crime
Authors: Bove Vincenzo , Gavrilova Evelina
Published: July 2017

Sparked by high-profile confrontations between police and citizens in Ferguson, Missouri, and elsewhere, many commentators have criticized the excessive militarization of law enforcement. We investigate whether surplus military-grade equipment acquired by local police departments from the Pentagon has an effect on crime rates. We use temporal variations in US military expenditure and between-counties variation in the odds of receiving a positive amount of military aid to identify the causal effect of militarized policing on crime. We find that (i) military aid reduces street-level crime; (ii) the program is cost-effective; and (iii) there is evidence in favor of a deterrence mechanism. (JEL H56, H76, K42)
The Effect of Disability Insurance Payments on Beneficiaries' Earnings
Authors: Gelber Alexander , Moore Timothy J. , Strand Alexander
Published: July 2017

A crucial issue is whether social insurance affects work decisions through income or substitution effects. We examine this in the context of US Social Security Disability Insurance (DI), exploiting discon tinuous changes in the benefit formula with a regression kink design to estimate the income effect of payments on earnings and employment. Using administrative data on all new DI beneficiaries from 2001 to 2007, our preferred estimate is that an increase in DI payments of $1 causes an average decrease in beneficiaries' earnings of $0.20 and that annual employment rates decrease by 1.3 percentage points per $1,000 of DI payments. These findings suggest that the income effect accounts for a majority of DI-induced reductions in earnings. (JEL E24, H55, J14, J22, J31)
ANTHROPOGENIC AND GEOGENIC CONTAMINATION DUE TO HEAVY METALS IN THE VAST AREA OF VARI, ATTICA
Authors: Serelis K.G. , Kafkala I.G. , Parpodis K. , Lazaris S.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this work was to investigate the soil heavy metal contamination of the area between Koropi and Vari, in Attica, Greece and to determine their anthropogenic or/and geogenic-lithogenic origin. Soil samples were taken from two different depths of 23 uncultivated sampling sites. Determined heavy-metal concentrations ranged widely; mean values in several sites were elevated and much higher than the soil grand mean worldwide. The higher Co and Ni contamination was found in the lower soil depth (10-25cm), while for Cd, Zn, and Pb in the upper depth (0-10cm). These results, in connection with the performed Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis, indicate that there are two contamination sources. The first, concerning Co-Ni, is a geogenic-lithogenic source and the second, concerning Zn-Cd and Pb, is considered as an anthropogenic source. Since in the study area there is no evidence of an existing anthropogenic source (e.g. an industry) and the parent material does not confirm and give reason for the elevated Zn, Cd and Pb contents, it could be concluded that this contamination was due to ancient metallurgical activities in the area.
VOLCANIC – SEDIMENTARY METAL DEPOSITION IN PALEOMARGIN ENVIRONMENT: A “ PROTORE ” OCCURRENCE IN CENTRAL SARDINIA (ITALY)
Authors: Fadda S. , Fiori M. , Pretti S. , Valera P.
Published: July 2017

Several metallogenic periods took place at different moments of the geological evolution of Sardinia, but at places they interacted: the close correlation between the metal parageneses in the Ordovician – Silurian sequences, outcropping in the central part of the island, and the veins and masses associated with the Hercynian magmatism is depicted. The volcanic-sedimentary mixed-sulphide lenses contained in Silurian occurrences show clear sedimentary structures, and the connection with coeval volcanics seems evident. These mineralizations are thought to be the protores for the subsequent metallogenic cycle related with the Hercynian orogenesis which had a strong effect as a promoter of the remoulding of preexisting mineral concentrations to give new ore- and industrial minerals deposits. Several geochemical campaigns have covered the entire island, and wide areas of the Paleozoic basement, mostly localised in the internal zones, showed high base- and heavymetals contents. A new prospecting programme has been started in Central Sardinia; it follows the ore-bearing horizon along the Ordovician-Silurian boundary with the purpose to better understand these primary metal depositions, their relationships with geodynamic structures, and ore mobilisation caused by the Hercynian granites. The geochemical anomalies along this horizon detected in the area of “Castello Medusa” support detailed prospecting works.
“KARYSTÍA LÍTHOS”: A TIMELESS STRUCTURAL ORNAMENTAL STONE
Authors: Laskaridis K. , Patronis M.
Published: July 2017

Karystía Líthos (= Stone of Karystos) is a widely used structural material since archaic times. It has been used in various constructions, considered to date before 700 BC or before the Trojan War or even as early as the Neolithic Age. The term “Karystía Líthos”, mentioned by Strabo, Pliny et al., includes cipollino marble, slates etc. Their main mineralogical constituent is calcite and their colour depends on the secondary and accessory minerals. This paper examines the timelessness of Karystía Líthos, focusing on the determination of its physical - mechanical and aesthetic characteristics. The natural stone properties are classified into those characterizing the material, and those determining the suitability of the stone for various special uses. Those properties were determined according to Standard EN 12326-2 “Slate and stone products for discontinuous roofing and cladding - Part 2: Methods of test”. The results were statistically analyzed, in order to draw relevant practical conclusions. The physical - mechanical properties of Karystía Líthos, on which its endurance through time and under mechanical stresses is depending, and its aesthetics, render it a widely applied ornamental stone to-date.
AIR QUALITY IN MINING AREAS: THE CASE OF STRATONI, CHALKIDIKI, GREECE
Authors: Papastamatiou D. , Skarpelis N. , Argyraki A.
Published: July 2017

Air quality sampling tests are conducted on a 24h basis by “HELLENIC GOLD S.A.” in the Stratoni mining settlement. The settlement is located in the neighbourhood of a flotation plant where galena and sphalerite concentrates are produced after crushing and processing of Pb-Ag-Zn sulfide ore. Old piles of mineral waste occur close to the settlement. The mineralogy of mineral dust collected on filters of 3 air samplers from August to December 2008 was studied. Elemental analysis of mineral dust collected from January to December 2008 was conducted. The purpose of the study was to determine levels of air pollution, type of mineral particles as well as potential sources. Measurements of air quality included PM10. Statistical analysis of the collected data included tests to determine the control on daily particle concentration and mineralogy of fluctuations of temperature, humidity, wind direction and wind speed. Air quality was better than during 1998-2000. Air quality was typically at its worse during hot summer days when wind speed was high. The concentration of PM10 particulate matter was quite low when compared to International Air Quality Standards regulations, indicating that levels of air pollution in the area do not pose human health hazards.
CLAY MINERALOGY OF THE SEDIMENTARY IRON-NICKEL ORE OF AGIOS IOANNIS, NE BOEOTIA: NEW DATA AND IMPLICATION FOR DIAGENETIC MODIFICATIONS Christidis G.
Authors: Christidis G.E. , Skarpelis N.
Published: July 2017

The clay mineralogy of the sedimentary Fe-Ni deposit of Agios Ioannis and a Ni lateritic profile from Pavlos, both in Lokris area, Greece, is investigated. The clay fraction of samples from Agios Ioannis consists mainly of Fe-rich chlorite and Fe-smectite, with minor serpentine, hematite and goethite. Locally, disordered talc (kerolite and/or pimelite), illite, R1 mixed layer illite/smectite and gibbsite are identified. The lateritic profile has different composition and contains mainly Fe-rich smectite (nontronite and/or ferruginous montmorillonite) with minor serpentine, goethite, magnetite, and talc, whereas chlorite is absent. It is suggested that in the Agios Ioannis deposit chlorite has formed from smectite via R0 mixed layer chlorite/smectite with >80% chlorite layers. The source of Al is probably the diagenetic transformation of pedogenic goethite to hematite during burial. The lack of chlorite in the lateritic profile of Pavlos is attributed to the limited presence of goethite. Smectite is believed to be a major mineralogical constituent of the Fe-Ni ores of the broader Lokris area.
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PALYGORSKITE-SMECTITE SUSPENSIONS FROM THE VENTZIA BASIN, W. MACEDONIA, GREECE
Authors: Christidis G.E , Katsiki P. , Pratikakis A. , Kacandes G.
Published: July 2017

In this contribution we examine the rheological properties of palygorskite rich clays from the Ventzia Basin, W. Macedonia, Greece. The clays consist of palygorskite and/or dioctahedral Fe-rich smectite (nontronite) and quartz as main components, and serpentine, amphibole and sepiolite as minor constituents. The apparent and plastic viscosity and yield point increase with increasing concentration of clay in the suspension. Flow is Newtonian for 1% suspensions, becoming gradually Bingham plastic (3% clay suspensions) and then pseudoplastic with yield point described by the Herschel Bulckley flow model. In the case of suspensions cf smectite-free clays Bingham plastic flow behaviour was not observed. Addition of 1M NaCl electrolyte deteriorates the rheological behaviour of the smectite-bearing palygorskite clays but it does not affect significantly the smectite-free, palygorskite rich clays. The different rheological properties of the palygorskite compared to smectite is due to the different morphological and crystal-chemical properties of these two minerals. It is suggested that the palygorskite-rich clays can be used successfully as drilling muds in seawater based drilling fluids, in which smectite-based drilling muds tend to flocculate.
CASAS: Cancer Survival Analysis Suite, a web based application
Authors: Rupji Manali , Zhang Xinyan , Kowalski Jeanne
Published: July 2017

We present CASAS, a shiny R based tool for interactive survival analysis and visualization of results. The tool provides a web-based one stop shop to perform the following types of survival analysis:  quantile, landmark and competing risks, in addition to standard survival analysis.  The interface makes it easy to perform such survival analyses and obtain results using the interactive Kaplan-Meier and cumulative incidence plots.  Univariate analysis can be performed on one or several user specified variable(s) simultaneously, the results of which are displayed in a single table that includes log rank p-values and hazard ratios along with their significance. For several quantile survival analyses from multiple cancer types, a single summary grid is constructed. The CASAS package has been implemented in R and is available via http://shinygispa.winship.emory.edu/CASAS/. The developmental repository is available at https://github.com/manalirupji/CASAS/.
Cinema of Russia: the experience of positive anthropology
Authors: Брейтман  , Breytman Aleksandr
Published: July 2017

This study - a reaction to the cultural crisis of the 90s, a public proclamation of the death of the traditional (humanistic) culture values. Such approval requires a serious argument: after the declaration of the "death", often - a way to confront the "death". In this situation, axiological analysis of the phenomenon of domestic (Soviet and post-Soviet) cinematography - urgent need. Building on the core values of Russian culture (literature, philosophical thought), the methodological unity of the system, the activity and axiological approaches in the analysis of the selected film works and to make it possible to determine the axiological nucleus (a kind of thesaurus) national cinema. Interpretation of the historical values of Russian culture in the cinema art material, in fact, - the semantic core of the research undertaken. Movies Eisenstein or Dovzhenko, Pudovkin or Vertov, Tarkovsky or Shukshin, Panfilov or Abdrashidova, German or Sokurov, Balabanov or Ovcharov ... in its own way, the same milestones in the cultural and historical way of Russia, as the frescoes Rublev or Dionysius, music Bortniansky or Glinka, poetry Pushkin or Pasternak, Gogol and Chekhov's drama, prose or Dostoevsky or Platonov, Stanislavsky or Tovstonogov theater ...As the worldwide phenomenon of Russian cinema has tremendous potential humanistic evolution: from the "customer" and "user" to the maker and creator.
Multiplicar sumando: Una experiencia con estudiantes de bachillerato
Authors: Ferran Escolá Marcela , Farfán Márquez Rosa María ,   Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero,   Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN
Published: July 2017

En este artículo reportamos una experiencia realizada con estudiantes de bachillerato fundamentada en la Socioepistemología y tomando elementos de la Ingeniería didáctica como metodología de investigación. El propósito fue generar un ambiente particular que favoreciera la emergencia de lo logarítmico utilizando material manipulable rescatando argumentos primigenios de Stiffer, Napier y Briggs. El análisis de las argumentaciones individuales y grupales de los estudiantes que emergen al descubrir la regla de multiplicar sumando como herramienta para facilitar cálculos y utilizarla para construir más fichas y la ficha general del juego, evidencia un acercamiento a la covariación y propiedades logarítmicas.
Using Robust Queueing to Expose the Impact of Dependence in Single-Server Queues
Authors: Whitt Ward , You Wei
Published: July 2017

Queueing applications are often complicated by dependence among interarrival times and service times. Such dependence is common in networks of queues, where arrivals are departures from other queues or superpositions of such complicated processes, especially when there are multiple customer classes with class-dependent service-time distributions. We show that the robust queueing approach for single-server queues proposed in the literature can be extended to yield improved steady-state performance approximations in the standard stochastic setting that includes dependence among interarrival times and service times. We propose a new functional robust queueing formulation for the steady-state workload that is exact for the steady-state mean in the M/GI/1 model and is asymptotically correct in both heavy traffic and light traffic. Simulation experiments show that it is effective more generally.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1649 .
Make Them Feel: How the Disclosure of Pregnancy to a Supervisor Leads to Changes in Perceived Supervisor Support
Authors: Little Laura , Hinojosa Amanda , Lynch John
Published: July 2017

Personal disclosure at work can help facilitate high-quality relationships; however, these results may depend on people’s reactions to them. We suggest that reactions to a disclosure—particularly supervisor reactions—can relate to abrupt and enduring changes in perceptions of relationship quality. Drawing on theory related to relationship-defining memories [ Alea N, Vick SC (2010) The first sight of love: Relationship-defining memories and marital satisfaction across adulthood. Memory 18(7):730–742.], informational justice [ Lind EA (2001) Fairness heuristic theory: Justice judgments as pivotal cognitions in organizational relations. Greenberg J, Cropanzano R, eds. Advances in Organizational Justice (Stanford University Press, Palo Alto, CA), 56–88.], and emotions [ Van Kleef GA (2009) How emotions regulate social life. Current Directions Psych. Sci. 18(3):184–188.], we investigate the mechanisms through which supervisor reactions to pregnancy disclosure influence changes in employees’ perceived supervisor support (PSS). The results from a longitudinal field study of over 100 pregnant working women and two experimental vignette studies suggest that the evocation of positive emotions from pregnant women at the time of the disclosure influences immediate and enduring changes in PSS.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.1136 .
Not just a ‘tick box’ exercise
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: July 2017

Priya Sharma considers the role of risk assessments in health and safety
Reaching out to the community
Authors: Wyatt Heidi
Published: July 2017

Dental Nurse of the Year Heidi Wyatt on her role as a Community Dental Nurse at Smile Together, a member of the Association of Dental Groups
Unrequited Hope: Obama and Palestine
Authors: Janice J. Terry
Published: July 2017

The early hope that the two-state solution would be implemented during the Obama presidency faded as both the Mitchell and Kerry negotiations failed. Only during his final weeks in office did Obama agree to the US abstaining on a UN vote condemning the ongoing Israeli settlements in territory earmarked as part of a future Palestinian state. After he leaves the presidency, there is a slim chance that Obama might join Jimmy Cater in working to mobilize American voters and taxpayers around efforts by Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) and other movements to oppose pro-Zionist lobbies, especially American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and to force Congress and the President to pressure Israel to withdraw from the Occupied Territories and enable the creation of a de-militarized Palestinian state.
Unity on Palestine Without Arab Unity? US Policy and the Post-Maksoud Arab World
Authors: Khalil Mousa Marrar
Published: July 2017

Taking off from Clovis Maksoud's idea about the centrality of the Palestinians to Arab unity, this article traces out the historic struggle between secular nationalism and Islamism throughout and after the Arab Spring-turned-Winter and the complex interactions with American foreign policy. The trajectory of Middle Eastern and North African countries and politicized identity within them are analyzed in relation to that unsettled context. The article concludes with an evaluation of the possibilities for moving beyond the violence and authoritarianism in the Arab world using the lessons imparted by Maksoud.
American Indian and Alaska Native Men's Use of Sexual Health Services, 2006–2010
Authors: Cahn Megan A. , Harvey S. Marie , Town Matthew A.
Published: July 2017

CONTEXT

American Indian and Alaska Native men experience poorer sexual health than white men. Barriers related to their sex and racial identity may prevent them from seeking care; however, little is known about this population's use of sexual health services.

METHODS

Sexual health service usage was examined among 923 American Indian and Alaska Native men and 5,322 white men aged 15–44 who participated in the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth. Logistic regression models explored differences in service use by race and examined correlates of use among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

RESULTS

Among men aged 15–19 and those aged 35–44, men with incomes greater than 133% of the federal poverty level, men with private insurance, those living in the Northeast and those living in rural areas, American Indians and Alaska Natives were more likely than whites to use STD or HIV services (odds ratios, 1.5–3.2). The odds of birth control service use did not differ by race. Differences in service use were found among American Indian and Alaska Native men: For example, those with a usual source of care had elevated odds of using sexual health services (1.9–3.4), while those reporting no recent testicular exam had reduced odds of using these services (0.3–0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides baseline data on American Indian and Alaska Native men's use of sexual health services. Research exploring these men's views on these services is needed to help develop programs that better serve them.
Gestão e Humanização do Serviço de Odontologia na Unidade de Saúde
Authors: Carvalho Alves Diego Fernando de , Costa e Silva Susanne Pinheiro
Published: July 2017

O presente estudo visa desvelar as publicações científicas que tratem sobre humanização e gestão de serviços odontológicos. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura, na qual foram analisadas publicações disponíveis nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO e  Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde. Os termos utilizados para busca foram os descritores “Gestão”, “Humanização da assistência” e “Saúde Bucal”. Foram selecionadas 10 publicações, resultando em dois eixos de discussão: “Práticas ideais de humanização e gestão” e “Possibilidades para implementação”. As publicações emergem para dificuldades da rede pública, principalmente as estruturais e de recursos humanos. A gestão deve ter o compromisso de qualificar permanentemente os profissionais da rede, evitando que o atendimento em odontologia não seja humanizado e incentivando a promoção à saúde e prevenção de doenças relacionadas. Faz-se necessário, ainda, o fortalecimento das redes de média e alta complexidade, visando o suporte adequado às demandas identificadas na atenção básica que necessitam de referência
Transparência Fiscal dos Sítios Virtuais das Prefeituras da Microrregião de Salgueiro: da obrigatoriedade à accountability
Authors: Sousa Luzania Alves de , Oliveira Cícero Alves , Oliveira Júlio João De , Galvão Francildo , Caffé Filho Hesler Piedade
Published: July 2017

A pesquisa trata da disponibilização das peças orçamentárias nos sítios virtuais dos municípios da microrregião de Salgueiro, no Sertão central de Pernambuco. Busca-se investigar qual a aplicabilidade das peças orçamentárias dos sítios virtuais das prefeituras da microrregião de Salgueiro, à luz dos principais comandos normativos sobre transparência fiscal. Os objetivos buscam quais municípios possuem sites na internet para publicação das peças orçamentárias; se há barreiras à consulta pública e quais municípios divulgam as peças conforme o artigo 48 da LC 101/00. É um estudo exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa no que se refere à consulta aos sites de Cedro, Mirandiba, Parnamirim, Salgueiro, São José do Belmonte, Serrita e Verdejante e busca aferir o nível de aderência dos municípios às diretrizes sobre transparência fiscal. Quanto à análise dos dados é um levantamento que usa a abordagem qualitativa. O estudo permite a elaboração de tabelas e gráficos extraindo do caput do artigo 48 da LC nº 101/00 as categorias de análise. O referencial teórico trata da necessidade legal da gestão pública pautar-se nos princípios da publicidade e transparência. O estudo revela uma situação crítica quanto à publicização do PPA, da LDO e da LOA desses municípios. Recomenda-se o aprofundamento do tema para que a microrregião supere o baixíssimo nível de aderência às normas brasileiras na promoção da publicidade e transparência na gestão dos recursos públicos.
Insect damage in historic buildings of Colônia Murici - Southern Brazil
Authors: Silva Janice B. , Macari Bruna P. , Almeida Lúcia M. , Rocha Marcio P. da , Marchesan Raquel , Holtman Valdir L.
Published: July 2017

The historical buildings of Araucaria - Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) O. Kuntze 1898 (Araucariaceae) - present in the Murici Colony, municipality of São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil, illustrate the development of constructive technique and native species processing. Such knowledge, brought by European immigrants in the late nineteenth century, provided the formation of a rich collection of wooden architecture in the state. However, this patrimony is deteriorated by the action of biological agents, especially xylophagous insects. In view of this, an entomological analysis was proposed through collections made in three buildings. Specimens of Coleoptera (Curculionidae and Ptinidae), Isoptera and Lepidoptera (Tineidae) were identified. It was concluded that Coleoptera (Ptinidae) and Isoptera represent the greatest risk to the installed wood. This emphasizes the importance of the entomological evaluation as a non-destructive method of diagnostic, that contributes to the verification of the health and safety of the structures.
Personality, Schizophrenia, and Violence: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Candini Valentina , Ghisi Marta , Bottesi Gioia , Ferrari Clarissa , Bulgari Viola , Iozzino Laura , Boero Maria Elena , De Francesco Alessandra , Maggi Paolo , Segalini Beatrice , Zuccalli Vanessa , Giobbio Gian Marco , Rossi Giuseppe , de Girolamo Giovanni ,   for the VIORMED-1 Group
Published: July 2017

The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the presence of clinically significant personality traits and personality disorders (PD) in patients living in residential facilities, with or without a history of violence (69 and 46, respectively); and (b) to investigate any associations between clinically significant personality traits and PDs, aggression, impulsivity, hostility, and violent behavior during a 1-year follow-up. The most frequent primary diagnoses were schizophrenia (58.3%) and PD (20.9%). Those with a history of violence demonstrated more antisocial and alcohol dependence features and lower depressive PD symptoms than the control group. Hostility levels, antisocial symptoms, and drug dependence, as well as a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II diagnosis of PD, predicted aggressive and violent behavior during follow-up. The study confirms the relevance of assessing PDs both to evaluate the risk of violent behavior and to plan appropriate preventive and treatment intervention.
Uma agenda para os observatórios de imprensa: a avaliação da qualidade editorial / An agenda for press observatories: the evaluation of editorial quality
Authors: Guerra Josenildo
Published: July 2017

O cenário jornalístico atual impõe desafios à atividade de crítica de mídia, dada a variedade dos produtores de conteúdo atualmente disponíveis e a variedade de problemas que emergem em proporções antes inexistentes. Os observatórios de imprensa, espaços privilegiados para a reflexão e a avaliação crítica do trabalho jornalístico, têm tradicionalmente se dedicado à observação e a fiscalização das práticas que desrespeitam valores profissionais e democráticos, entre outras atividades (Rebouças e Cunha, 2010). Com este artigo, propomos uma nova ação crítica: a avaliação da qualidade editorial. Esta prática distingue-se pela necessidade de orientar-se para a medição de desempenho, isto é, o emprego de métodos através dos quais se atribuam graus de performance às organizações de acordo com o cumprimento de suas responsabilidades jornalísticas. A avaliação resultante poderia permitir a distinção entre organizações mais compromissadas e efetivas em seus resultados e outras que, no limite, poderiam até mesmo ter rebaixado seu “status jornalístico” devido ao não atendimento das responsabilidades básicas assumidas ao se declararem jornalísticas.
Experiencia de modelación matemática como estrategia didáctica para la enseñanza de tópicos de cálculo
Authors: Molina-Mora Jose Arturo
Published: July 2017

La modelación matemática es la actividad que consiste en representar, manipular y comunicar objetos del mundo real con contenidos matemáticos y que permitan la simulación de procesos complejos, generen hipótesis y sugieran experimentos o métodos de validación. La modelación matemática se presenta como estrategia didáctica que permite simular e interpretar diferentes problemas y situaciones de la vida real o académica, poniendo en evidencia diferentes condiciones de aplicación de los contenidos de los cursos de matemática universitaria. Específicamente en Cálculo II, la estrategia busca solventar la necesidad de mostrar y manipular aplicaciones de los contenidos de integrales impropias, polinomios de Taylor, coordenadas polares y secciones cónicas en problemas con ejemplos concretos en las áreas de ciencias biológicas e ingeniería. Dicha implementación respondió a un paradigma que busca la innovación y la mejora continua del proceso enseñanza y aprendizaje, lo cual es pertinente debido a la existencia de una plataforma de incorporación de las TIC (Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación) en el curso de Cálculo II y que favoreció el uso de software especializado para la creación y manipulación de los modelos matemáticos.
Pediatric Readmissions After Hospitalizations for Lower Respiratory Infections
Authors: Nakamura Mari M. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Toomey Sara L. , Petty Carter R. , Bryant Maria C. , Geanacopoulos Alexandra T. , Jha Ashish K. , Schuster Mark A.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Lower respiratory infections (LRIs) are among the most common reasons for pediatric hospitalization and among the diagnoses with the highest number of readmissions. Characterizing LRI readmissions would help guide efforts to prevent them. We assessed variation in pediatric LRI readmission rates, risk factors for readmission, and readmission diagnoses.

METHODS:

We analyzed 2008–2009 Medicaid Analytic eXtract data for patients <18 years of age in 26 states. We identified LRI hospitalizations based on a primary diagnosis of bronchiolitis, influenza, or community-acquired pneumonia or a secondary diagnosis of one of these LRIs plus a primary diagnosis of asthma, respiratory failure, or sepsis/bacteremia. Readmission rates were calculated as the proportion of hospitalizations followed by ≥1 unplanned readmission within 30 days. We used logistic regression with fixed effects for patient characteristics and a hospital random intercept to case-mix adjust rates and assess risk factors.

RESULTS:

Of 150 590 LRI hospitalizations, 8233 (5.5%) were followed by ≥1 readmission. The median adjusted hospital readmission rate was 5.2% (interquartile range: 5.1%–5.4%), and rates varied across hospitals (P < .0001). Infants (patients <1 year of age), boys, and children with chronic conditions were more likely to be readmitted. The most common primary diagnoses on readmission were LRIs (48.2%), asthma (10.0%), fluid/electrolyte disorders (3.4%), respiratory failure (3.3%), and upper respiratory infections (2.7%).

CONCLUSIONS:

LRI readmissions are common and vary across hospitals. Multiple risk factors are associated with readmission, indicating potential targets for strategies to reduce readmissions. Readmission diagnoses sometimes seem related to the original LRI.