bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental evaluation of a telemonitoring service for children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Losiouk E , Lanzola G , Del Favero S , Boscari F , Messori M , Rabbone I , Bonfanti R , Sabbion A , Iafusco D , Schiaffini R , Visentin R , Galasso S , Di Palma F , Chernavvsky D , Magni L , Cobelli C , Bruttomesso D , Quaglini S
Published: March 2017

Introduction

In the past years, we developed a telemonitoring service for young patients affected by Type 1 Diabetes. The service provides data to the clinical staff and offers an important tool to the parents, that are able to oversee in real time their children. The aim of this work was to analyze the parents’ perceived usefulness of the service.

Methods

The service was tested by the parents of 31 children enrolled in a seven-day clinical trial during a summer camp. To study the parents’ perception we proposed and analyzed two questionnaires. A baseline questionnaire focused on the daily management and implications of their children’s diabetes, while a post-study one measured the perceived benefits of telemonitoring. Questionnaires also included free text comment spaces.

Results

Analysis of the baseline questionnaires underlined the parents’ suffering and fatigue: 51% of total responses showed a negative tendency and the mean value of the perceived quality of life was 64.13 in a 0–100 scale. In the post-study questionnaires about half of the parents believed in a possible improvement adopting telemonitoring. Moreover, the foreseen improvement in quality of life was significant, increasing from 64.13 to 78.39 ( p-value = 0.0001). The analysis of free text comments highlighted an improvement in mood, and parents’ commitment was also proved by their willingness to pay for the service (median = 200 euro/year).

Discussion

A high number of parents appreciated the telemonitoring service and were confident that it could improve communication with physicians as well as the family’s own peace of mind.
Testing fine motor coordination via telehealth: Effects of video characteristics on reliability and validity
Authors: Hoenig Helen M , Amis Kristopher , Edmonds Carol , Morgan Michelle S , Landerman Lawrence , Caves Kevin
Published: March 2017

Background

There is limited research about the effects of video quality on the accuracy of assessments of physical function.

Methods

A repeated measures study design was used to assess reliability and validity of the finger–nose test (FNT) and the finger-tapping test (FTT) carried out with 50 veterans who had impairment in gross and/or fine motor coordination. Videos were scored by expert raters under eight differing conditions, including in-person, high definition video with slow motion review and standard speed videos with varying bit rates and frame rates.

Results

FTT inter-rater reliability was excellent with slow motion video (ICC 0.98–0.99) and good (ICC 0.59) under the normal speed conditions. Inter-rater reliability for FNT ‘attempts’ was excellent (ICC 0.97–0.99) for all viewing conditions; for FNT ‘misses’ it was good to excellent (ICC 0.89) with slow motion review but substantially worse (ICC 0.44) on the normal speed videos. FTT criterion validity (i.e. compared to slow motion review) was excellent (β = 0.94) for the in-person rater and good ( β = 0.77) on normal speed videos. Criterion validity for FNT ‘attempts’ was excellent under all conditions ( r ≥ 0.97) and for FNT ‘misses’ it was good to excellent under all conditions ( β = 0.61–0.81).

Conclusions

In general, the inter-rater reliability and validity of the FNT and FTT assessed via video technology is similar to standard clinical practices, but is enhanced with slow motion review and/or higher bit rate.
Ethnic status and engagement with health services: Attitudes toward help-seeking and intercultural willingness to interact among South East Asian students in Australia
Authors: Logan Shanna , Steel Zachary , Hunt Caroline
Published: March 2017

Previous research has demonstrated the importance of intercultural willingness to interact; however, these investigations have yet to be applied to a health context or to compare an ethnic minority with a majority sample. Consequently, the current study sought to better understand engagement with health services by investigating both attitudes towards seeking psychological help and intercultural willingness to interact within an ethnic minority South East Asian population, relative to an Anglo Australian sample. As predicted, negative attitudes towards seeking psychological help were higher in the South East Asian sample, with this relationship persisting across generations, despite significant differences in acculturation. In contrast, intercultural willingness to interact was not associated with ethnicity status but was associated with higher anxiety, uncertainty, ethnocentrism and help-seeking, consistent with current empirical and theoretical literature. The current study also sought to examine factors associated with help-seeking attitudes and found that ethnocentrism was a significant predictor, when accounting for previous health experience.
Organs-on-chips: Progress, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Low Lucie A , Tagle Danilo A
Published: March 2017

The National Institutes of Health Microphysiological Systems (MPS) program, led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, is part of a joint effort on MPS development with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and with regulatory guidance from FDA, is now in its final year of funding. The program has produced many tangible outcomes in tissue chip development in terms of stem cell differentiation, microfluidic engineering, platform development, and single and multi-organ systems—and continues to help facilitate the acceptance and use of tissue chips by the wider community. As the first iteration of the program draws to a close, this Commentary will highlight some of the goals met, and lay out some of the challenges uncovered that will remain to be addressed as the field progresses. The future of the program will also be outlined.

Impact statement

This work is important to the field as it outlines the progress and challenges faced by the NIH Microphysiological Systems program to date, and the future of the program. This is useful information for the field to be aware of, both for current program stakeholders and future awardees and partners.
Getting to “no”: Locating critical peace education within resistance and anti-oppression pedagogy at a Shi’a Islamic school in Lebanon
Authors: Zakharia Zeena
Published: March 2017

This paper critically engages observations from a school that was aligned with a resistance movement in Lebanon during a post-war period of sustained political violence (2006–2007). Focusing on the pedagogical practices at one community-centered and community-led Shi’a Islamic urban school, the paper draws on extensive ethnographic data to illustrate how teachers and students, together, negotiated resistance and peace learning through a critical and participatory process at a school whose curricular content, structure, and pedagogy explicitly addressed both direct and structural forms of violence. Drawing on rich, illustrative classroom data, I examine the production and enactment of peace knowledge as resistance to the status quo. This knowledge production does not exclude the performance of militarism and heroic resistance as forms of praxis, creating dissonance for understanding peace education as a field of scholarship and practice. This dissonance, I posit, is critical in forging possibilities for transformative change. The paper brings postcolonial theory into conversation with critical peace education to consider how larger structural, material, and political realities serve to mediate learning processes and value biases in peace research.
New diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis during the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Qureshi Sana , Kanzali Mahsa , Rizvi Syed Farhan , Joolukuntla Niharika , Fomberstein Barry
Published: March 2017

We report here an unusual case of rheumatoid arthritis presenting for the first time in a 32-week pregnant patient. Despite thorough evaluations from different specialties, the patient’s diagnosis went undiscovered originally being attributed to orthopedic issues and then to normal symptoms of pregnancy. The patient’s symptoms progressively worsened until she was no longer able to ambulate and complete her daily activities. A primary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is exceedingly rare during pregnancy due to changes in the body’s immune system that accommodate the foreign fetus. Also physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy can often cloud the clinical picture of a patient presenting with joint pain and weakness. Nonetheless, a thorough workup should be conducted to rule out underlying rheumatologic disease.
Stroke doctors: Who are we? A World Stroke Organization survey
Authors: Meretoja Atte , Acciarresi Monica , Akinyemi Rufus O , Campbell Bruce , Dowlatshahi Dar , English Coralie , Henninger Nils , Poppe Alexandre , Putaala Jukka , Saini Monica , Sato Shoichiro , Wu Bo , Brainin Michael , Norrving Bo , Davis Stephen
Published: March 2017

Background

Specialist training provides skilled workforce for service delivery. Stroke medicine has evolved rapidly in the past years. No prior information exists on background or training of stroke doctors globally.

Aims

To describe the specialties that represent stroke doctors, their training requirements, and the scientific organizations ensuring continuous medical education.

Methods

The World Stroke Organization conducted an expert survey between June and November 2014 using e-mailed questionnaires. All Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries with >1 million population and other countries with >50 million population were included ( n = 49, total 5.6 billion inhabitants, 85% of global strokes). Two stroke experts from each selected country were surveyed, discrepancies resolved, and further information on identified stroke-specific curricula sought.

Results

We received responses from 48 (98%) countries. Of ischemic stroke patients, 64% were reportedly treated by neurologists, ranging from 5% in Ireland to 95% in the Netherlands. Per thousand annual strokes there were average six neurologists, ranging from 0.3 in Ethiopia to 33 in Israel. Of intracerebral hemorrhage patients, 29% were reportedly treated by neurosurgeons, ranging from 5% in Sweden to 79% in Japan, with three neurosurgeons per thousand strokes, ranging from 0.1 in Ethiopia to 24 in South Korea. Most countries had a stroke society (86%) while only 10 (21%) had a degree or subspecialty for stroke medicine.

Conclusions

Stroke doctor numbers, background specialties, and opportunities to specialize in stroke vary across the globe. Most countries have a scientific society to pursue advancement of stroke medicine, but few have stroke curricula.
Efficacy of double-balloon enteroscopy for small-bowel polypectomy: clinical and economic evaluation
Authors: Rahmi Gabriel , Vinet Marie-Amélie , Perrod Guillaume , Saurin Jean-Christophe , Samaha Elia , Ponchon Thierry , Canard Jean-Marc , Edery Joël , Maoulida Hassani , Chatellier Gilles , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Cellier Christophe
Published: March 2017

Background:

We evaluated first the feasibility of endoscopic small-bowel polypectomy and second, the economic aspects, by comparing the cost of endoscopic and surgical polyp resection.

Methods:

A prospective, observational, multicenter study included 494 patients with positive capsule endoscopy (CE) before double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). We selected only CE with at least one polyp. The retrospective economic evaluation compared patients treated by DBE or surgery for small-bowel polypectomy. Hospital readmission because of repeat polyp resection or complication-related interventions was noted. The 1-year cost was estimated from the viewpoint of the healthcare system and included procedures, hospital admissions and follow up.

Results:

CE indicated one or more polyps in 62 (12.5%) patients (32 males, 49 ± 5 years), all of whom underwent a successful DBE exploration. The DBE polyp diagnostic yield was 58%. There were no major complications. A total of 26 (42%) patients in the DBE group and 19 (39%) in the control group required hospital readmission. All readmissions in the DBE group were for repeat procedures to remove all polyps, and in the control group, for surgical complications. The total cost of the initial hospitalization (€4014 ± 2239 DBE versus €11,620 ± 7183 surgery, p < 0.0001) and the 1-year total cost (€8438 ± 9227 DBE versus €13,402 ± 7919 surgery, p < 0.0001) were lower in the DBE group.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic polypectomy was efficient and safe. The total cost at 1 year was less for endoscopy than surgery. DBE should be proposed as the first-line treatment for small-bowel polyp resection.
Regendering care in the aftermath of recession?
Authors: Boyer Kate , Dermott Esther , James Al , MacLeavy Julie
Published: March 2017

Against a backdrop of persistent gender inequalities around childcare, recent research suggests that some men – and especially fathers – are engaging to a greater extent in the everyday tasks of social reproduction. However, our understanding of the multiple factors, motivations and institutions that facilitate and constrain this nuanced ‘regendering of care’ phenomenon in different national contexts remains limited. Previous work has theorized the uneven rise of male primary caregiving in North America and Scandinavia. This article extends these debates through an empirical focus on the United Kingdom in the wake of the 2008–09 recession and double dip of 2011–12, to explore male work-care in relation to economic restructuring, welfare spending cuts, rising costs of childcare, policy interventions which seek to culturally and numerically defeminize care work, and concerns over work–life balance in an ‘age of austerity’. The final part of the article explains the significance of a larger research agenda that recentres the expansive work–life balance literature through an expanded focus of analysis on men, work-care intermediaries and socially sustainable modes of post-recessionary growth.
Reperfusion ventricular arrhythmia bursts identify larger infarct size in spite of optimal epicardial and microvascular reperfusion using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: van der Weg Kirian , Kuijt Wichert J , Bekkers Sebastiaan CAM , Tijssen Jan GP , Green Cynthia L , Lemmert Miguel E , Krucoff Mitchell W , Gorgels Anton PM
Published: March 2017

Aims:

Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) bursts following recanalisation in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are related to larger infarct size (IS). Inadequate microvascular reperfusion, as determined by microvascular obstruction (MVO) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), is also known to be associated with larger IS. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that VA bursts identify larger infarct size in spite of optimal microvascular reperfusion.

Methods:

All 65 STEMI patients from the Maastricht ST elevation (MAST) study with brisk epicardial flow (TIMI 3), complete ST recovery post-percutaneous coronary intervention and early CMR were included. Using 24-hour Holter registrations from the time of admission, VA bursts were identified against subject-specific Holter background VA rates using a statistical outlier method. MVO and final IS were determined using delayed enhancement CMR.

Results:

MVO was present in 37/65 (57%) of patients. IS was significantly smaller in the group without MVO (median 9.4% vs. 20.5%; p < 0.001). IS in the group with MVO did not differ depending on VA burst ( n = 28/37; median 20.8% vs. 19.7%; p = 0.64). However, in the group without MVO, VA burst was associated with significantly larger IS ( n = 17/28; median 10.5% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.037). In multivariable analyses, VA burst as well as anterior infarct location remained independent predictors of larger infarct size.

Conclusion:

In the presence of suboptimal reperfusion with MVO by CMR, VA burst does not further define MI size. However, with optimal TIMI 3 reperfusion and optimal microvascular perfusion (i.e. no MVO), VA burst is associated with larger IS, indicating that VA burst is a marker of additional cell death.
Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia
Authors: Lee Mindy , Izzy Manhal , Akki Ashwin , Tanaka Kathryn , Kalia Harmit
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a known etiology of noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Cases of biopsy-proven NRH in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive patients have been described. While these patients often have normal synthetic liver function, several reports described disease progression to liver failure. Case: We here present a 26-year-old woman with history of congenital HIV on antiretroviral therapy complicated by Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia at age 14. CD4 counts have been >300 with undetectable viral load. She was referred to our Hepatology service for evaluation of splenomegaly, elevated liver tests, and thrombocytopenia. On initial presentation, she reported easy bruising and gingival bleeding, and abdominal imaging showed evidence of portal hypertension without associated cirrhosis. Upper endoscopy was significant for large esophageal varices without bleeding stigmata. Liver biopsy showed minimal fibrosis around the portal areas without significant inflammation. The lobules showed focal zones of thin hepatocyte plates on reticulin stain with adjacent areas showing mild regenerative changes. The diagnosis of NRH was made and patient was placed on propranolol for variceal bleeding prophylaxis. Two years later, the patient presented with bleeding gastric varices warranting transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Postprocedure course was complicated by mild encephalopathy. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging showed a 1.7 × 1.3 cm lesion suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patient was deemed to be a candidate for liver transplantation, and she is now delisted due to ongoing pregnancy. Conclusion: This report describes the first case of HCC in an HIV patient with NRH. The possible association of NRH with HCC warrants further investigation.
Social Disadvantage Is Associated With Lower Vitamin D Levels in Older People and There Is No Surrogate for Its Measurement
Authors: Heald Adrian H. , Anderson Simon G. , Scargill Jonathan J. , Short Andrea , Holland David , Khan Adnan , Fryer Anthony A. , Donn Rachelle P. , Livingston Mark
Published: March 2017

Introduction: There is increasing evidence concerning adverse health consequences of low vitamin D levels. We determined whether there is any surrogate for measuring vitamin D in people older than 70 years and the relation between index of multiple deprivation (IMD) and vitamin D levels. Methods: Blood samples from 241 patients were included in this analysis. Concurrent measurements for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone profile are reported. Results: The prevalence of total vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (defined as total vitamin D <50 nmol/L) was 57.5% overall. Even for patients with vitamin D deficiency, a significant proportion had PTH, normal calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase levels. For patients with vitamin D <25 nmol/L, 62.7% had a PTH within reference range, 83.1% had normal serum-adjusted calcium, 80.6% had normal phosphate, and 85.1% had a normal serum alkaline phosphatase. With increasing quintiles of IMD, there was a 22% increased risk of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency from quintiles 1 to 5, in age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression models (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [1.01, 1.47]; p = .034). Conclusion: No other parameter is currently adequate for screening for vitamin D deficiency in older people. A higher IMD is associated with lower vitamin D levels in older people.
Maternal fat free mass during pregnancy is associated with birth weight
Authors: Wang Yanxia , Mao Jie , Wang Wenling , Qiou Jie , Yang Lan , Chen Simin
Published: March 2017

Background

The relationship between maternal body compositions and birth weight was not definite. Fat Mass (FM) and Fat Free Mass (FFM) can accurately reflect the maternal body fat compositions and have been considered as better predictors of birth weight. Despite its potential role, no studies have been described the maternal compositions during pregnancy in East Asian women previously. We investigated the correlation between birth weight and Maternal body composition including fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM). To determine whether birth weight is associated with maternal body fat FM and FFM during pregnancy and, if so, which trimester and parameter is more critical in determining birth weight.

Methods

A longitudinal prospective observational study performed, 348, 481 and 321 non-diabetics Han Chinese women with a singleton live birth attending a routine visit in their first, second and third trimesters were recruited. Maternal body composition was measured using segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Data of the pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), maternal BMI, the gestational weight gain (GWG), and placental and birth weight were collected.

Results

A significant correlation exists between maternal FFM in the process of pregnancy, placental weight, GWG at delivery, and birth weight (P < 0.05). On stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, material’s FFM was the most important factor associated with the birth weight. After adjustment, there was significantly associated with 2.47-fold increase in risk for birth weight more than 4 kg when FFM ≥ 40.76 kg (Upper quartile of participants). The increased maternal age became a protective factor (OR = 0.69) while the increased pre-pregnancy BMI (OR = 1.50) remained predictors to birth weight more than 4 kg.

Conclusions

The change of maternal FFM during pregnancy is independently affected the birth weight.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: First report of the Phe1534Cyskdr mutation in natural populations of Aedes albopictusfrom Brazil
Authors: Aguirre-Obando Oscar Alexander , Martins Ademir Jesus , Navarro-Silva Mário Antônio
Published: March 2017

Background

Knockdown resistance (kdr), caused by alterations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV), is one of the mechanisms responsible for pyrethroid (PY) resistance. In the Asian tiger mosquito,Aedes albopictus, at least four different mutations were described in the IIIS6 NaVsegment in populations from Asia, North America and Europe. In contrast, inAedes aegyptiat least 12 non-synonymous mutations have been reported at nine different codons, mostly in the IIS6 and IIIS6 NaVsegments. The Phe1534Cyskdrmutation in the IIIS6 NaVsegment is the most prevalent in populations ofAe. aegyptiworldwide, also found inAe. albopictusfrom Singapore. Herein, we investigated the DNA diversity corresponding to the IIS6 and IIIS6 NaVsegments in natural populations ofAe. albopictusfrom Brazil.

Methods

DNA from eight BrazilianAe. albopictusnatural populations were individually extracted and pooled by states of origin, amplified, cloned and sequenced for the corresponding IIS6 and IIIS6 NaVsegments. Additionally, samples from each location were individually genotyped by an allelic specific PCR (AS-PCR) approach to obtain the genotypic and allelic frequencies for the 1534 NaVsite.

Results

No non-synonymous substitutions were observed in the IIS6 sequences. However, the Phe1534Cyskdrmutation was evidenced in theAe. albopictusNaVIIIS6 segment sequences from Paraná (PR) and Rondônia (RO) states, but not from Mato Grosso (MT) state. The 1534Cyskdrallele varied from 3% (Marilena/PR and Porto Velho/RO) to 10% (Foz do Iguaçu/PR). To our knowledge, this paper reports the first occurrence and provides distribution data of a possiblekdrmutation inAe. albopictusin South America.

Conclusion

The emergence of a likelykdrmutation inAe. albopitusnatural populations is a signal of alert for vector control measures since PY are the most popular insecticides adopted by residents. Additionally, once thekdrallele is present, its frequency tends to increase faster under exposition to those compounds. Although the Asian tiger mosquito is not incriminated as an important vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses in South America, its importance in this regard has been extensively discussed sinceAe. albopictusis rapidly spreading and can also migrate between sylvatic and urban environments. Therefore, insecticide resistance monitoring initiatives should also be extended toAe. albopictusin Brazil in order to maintain chemical compounds as an efficient vector control tool when needed.
Patient-Reported Outcomes 1 Year After Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Results of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study
Authors: Pusic Andrea L. , Matros Evan , Fine Neil , Buchel Edward , Gordillo Gayle M. , Hamill Jennifer B. , Kim Hyungjin M. , Qi Ji , Albornoz Claudia , Klassen Anne F. , Wilkins Edwin G.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The goals of immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction are to minimize deformity and optimize quality of life as perceived by patients. We prospectively evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in women undergoing immediate implant-based or autologous reconstruction.

Methods

Women undergoing immediate postmastectomy reconstruction for invasive cancer and/or carcinoma in situ were enrolled at 11 sites. Women underwent implant-based or autologous tissue reconstruction. Patients completed the BREAST-Q, a condition-specific PRO measure for breast surgery patients, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–29, a generic PRO measure, before and 1 year after surgery. Mean changes in PRO scores were summarized. Mixed-effects regression models were used to compare PRO scores across procedure types.

Results

In total, 1,632 patients (n = 1,139 implant, n = 493 autologous) were included; 1,183 (72.5%) responded to 1-year questionnaires. After analysis was controlled for baseline values, patients who underwent autologous reconstruction had greater satisfaction with their breasts than those who underwent implant-based reconstruction (difference, 6.3; P < .001), greater sexual well-being (difference, 4.5; P = .003), and greater psychosocial well-being (difference, 3.7; P = .02) at 1 year. Patients in the autologous reconstruction group had improved satisfaction with breasts (difference, 8.0; P = .002) and psychosocial well-being (difference, 4.6; P = .047) compared with preoperative baseline. Physical well-being of the chest was not fully restored in either the implant group (difference, −3.8; P = .001) or autologous group (−2.2; P = .04), nor was physical well-being of the abdomen in patients who underwent autologous reconstruction (−13.4; P < .001). Anxiety and depression were mitigated at 1 year in both groups. Compared with their baseline reports, patients who underwent implant reconstruction had decreased fatigue (difference, −1.4; P = .035), whereas patients who underwent autologous reconstruction had increased pain interference (difference, 2.0; P = .006).

Conclusion

At 1 year after mastectomy, patients who underwent autologous reconstruction were more satisfied with their breasts and had greater psychosocial and sexual well-being than those who underwent implant reconstruction. Although satisfaction with breasts was equal to or greater than baseline levels, physical well-being was not fully restored. This information can help patients better understand expected outcomes and may guide innovations to improve outcomes.
The Local Political Economy Effects of School Construction in Indonesia
Authors: Martinez-Bravo Monica
Published: March 2017

A by-product of the extension of mass education is the increase in the level of education of those eligible for political offices. This can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of local governments. In this paper, I examine the effects of a large school construction program in Indonesia on local governance and public good provision. The results show that the program led to important increases in the provision of public goods. Furthermore, I provide evidence consistent with the hypothesis that the increase in the education of the village heads was one of the main mechanisms behind these results. (JEL D72, H41, H75, I21, O15, O17)
What causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Authors: Martin Sarah , Al Khleifat Ahmad , Al-Chalabi Ammar
Published: March 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease predominantly affecting upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in progressive paralysis and death from respiratory failure within 2 to 3 years. The peak age of onset is 55 to 70 years, with a male predominance. The causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are only partly known, but they include some environmental risk factors as well as several genes that have been identified as harbouring disease-associated variation. Here we review the nature, epidemiology, genetic associations, and environmental exposures associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Information-Based Allocation Strategy for GRID-Based Transshipment Automated Container Terminal
Authors: Zhou Chenhao , Chew Ek Peng , Lee Loo Hay
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we introduce a storage allocation strategy for a transshipment container hub using a new automated container terminal called the hybrid GRID system. This study provides a novel approach of developing an efficient storage allocation strategy for new terminal concepts so that the complex formulations can be approximated by simple functions that can be quickly computed. Specifically, the storage allocation strategy is derived from an optimal allocation decision learned from a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model. Some input parameters of the MIP model are collected from a simulation model. An index measuring the storage location convenience is proposed and we regress this index with important variables to build an empirical model that provides recommendations on where to allocate containers to storage locations. The advantage of using the empirical approach is that it allows for fast computation which is expected in the dynamic and uncertain port environment. Numerical results show that four variables can significantly affect the performance of the allocation decision. This strategy is shown to be robust for different scenarios in terms of terminal configuration and container workload. In addition, the new strategy performs better than the commonly used strategies found in warehousing literatures, and the solution is close to the optimal allocation decision.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2017.0736 .
The experiences of students in interprofessional learning
Authors: Telford Mark , Senior Emma
Published: March 2017

This article explores the experiences of undergraduate healthcare students within interprofessional education (IPE) using a qualitative research study. The motive to undertake this study was as a result of mixed evaluations of IPE sessions. The study aimed to analyse student experiences of IPE, and as a result provide greater insight into how this type of education could be enhanced. Participants were selected through voluntary recruitment and data were collected using a focus group involving 12 participants who responded. Data analysis identified two key themes highlighting the barriers to engagement in IPE and factors that enable participants to engage. The study provides guidance for further developments and improvements when designing and delivering IPE.
Palliative care nursing for patients with neurological diseases: what makes the difference?
Authors: Dieplinger Anna , Kundt Firuzan Sari , Lorenzl Stefan
Published: March 2017

Neurodegenerative diseases progress slowly, creating increasing physical disability with unpredictable disease trajectories. The disease's life-threatening nature often places these patients in palliative care. There are several factors that complicate the care of patients with neurodegenerative diseases in palliative care units. Owing to physical impairments, there are many communication barriers between patients and staff. Nurses are not able to duplicate the patient's meticulous daily routine leading to caregiver mistrust in the nurse's competencies. Even if the patient is hospitalised, caregivers may not take the much-needed time off to recuperate. The placement of patients with neurodegenerative diseases in palliative care is confusing, since they rarely die during in-hospital treatment but might even get better due to multidisciplinary treatment. Finally, patients and caregivers lack adequate knowledge about disease progression and available help and support programmes. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases urgently need palliative care and nurses and caregivers need better preparation to appropriately deal with these diseases.
Funding latest: Secondaries face £291,000 real-terms cut
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: March 2017

Research forecasts real-terms funding reductions for all schools by 2019/20, with half facing budget cuts of between six and 11 per cent
How to place commonly used feeding tubes in dogs and cats
Authors: Lumbis Rachel H
Published: March 2017

Nutrition is one of the most important considerations in the maintenance of health and early intervention can play a critical role in ensuring successful patient outcome and management of disease. In veterinary patients, this is reflected by the recognition of nutritional assessment as the 5th vital sign. It is the responsibility of veterinarians and the veterinary nursing team to ensure the early identification of patients in need of nutritional support. Once nutritional intervention is deemed necessary, collaboration is essential to determine the most appropriate method and route of delivery, alongside the patient's nutrient needs and feeding goals. This article outlines a practical, systematic approach to the placement of feeding tubes, a form of nutritional lifeline, frequently utilised in small animal practice.
La formation au journalisme est-elle utile/indispensable? Quelques leçons du passé et du présent pour préparer l’avenir
Authors: Delporte Christian
Published: March 2017

Este artigo examina as numerosas e recorrentes críticas que visam a formação de jornalistas (superficialidade, formatação, tecnicismo, ineficácia face ao mercado de trabalho e aos novos instrumentos tecnológicos – Internet –, reprodução social) e tenta enquadrá-las numa perspetiva histórica e comparativa. A criação de escolas de jornalismo, mais do que decorrente de uma vontade em preparar para as técnicas, constituiu-se como projeto de caráter ideológico cujas origens e fundamentos foram posteriormente esquecidos. O debate acerca do equilíbrio entre teoria e prática repete-se desde há um século. Entretanto, as formações foram-se afastando da cultura académica a fim de responderem diretamente às supostas necessidades – e contraditórias – dos empregadores. As formações de futuro são aquelas que demonstrem produzir profissionais capazes de dar resposta aos desafios da informação do futuro, com uma sólida cultura, condição essencial ao desenvolvimento do espírito crítico.
Manfaat Pengembangan Desa Wisata Wonolopo terhadap Kondisi Sosial, Ekonomi dan Lingkungan Masyarakat Lokal
Authors: Fitari Yessi , Ma'rif Samsul
Published: March 2017

Wonolopo Tourism Village is one of the tourism village destination in Semarang City.  Wonolopo Tourism Village has three types of tourism attractions, i.e. agro-tourism, local industry and culinary, and educational tourism. The tourism potentials need to be developed to generate more benefits for the local community. The study aims to determine the benefits of the development in Wonolopo tourism village on social, economic, and environmental of the local community. This study was conducted by both quantitative and qualitative methods through the analysis of product components of tourism village to find out the strengths and weaknesses in the development of tourism products in Wonolopo and Anova analysis to determine the alteration of local community condition due to the tourism village development. The results show that the development of Wonolopo Tourism Village has a medium impact on the social, economic and environmental aspects to the local community. In the social aspect, the artistic potential had increasingly to be preserved and became the local wisdom. In the economic aspect, the development of tourism village has increased the local livelihood and local business opportunity. In the environmental aspect, the tourism village has improved the village infrastructures and accessibility condition.
Przemiany w kulturze muzycznej Sumatry Zachodniej na przykładzie wykorzystania fletu saluang darek
Authors: Szymańska-Ilnata Maria
Published: March 2017

Saluang darek jest uznawany za jeden z najstarszych i autochtonicznych instrumentów wykorzystywanych w muzyce przez ludzi Minangkabau. Jego nazwa pochodzi od regionu Darek zwanego też Luhak Nan Tigo i stanowiącego kolebkę kultury Minangkabau. Saluang darek jest instrumentem o prostej konstrukcji – bambusowej rury otwartej na obu końcach, posiadającej cztery otwory palcowe. Taka budowa wymaga jednak stosowania specyficznej i trudnej techniki gry. Jego dźwięk jest bardzo charakterystyczny i stanowi współcześnie jeden z elementów używanych do budowania poczucia tożsamości etnicznej wśród ludzi Mianankgabau. Tradycyjnie stosowano saluang jako instrument akompaniujący do rzewnych, nostalgicznych pieśni oraz jako medium do kontaktu z duchami. W latach 70. wraz ze wzrostem popularności muzyki rozrywkowej narodził się gatunek saluang dangdut, w którym radosnym melodiom granym na flecie towarzyszą bębny i śpiew. Gatunek ten ewoluował do bardzo popularnego dziś Pop-Minang. W artykule przedstawione zostaną współczesne pola eksploatacji fletu saluang darek oraz wpływ obcych kultur i massmediów na wykonywaną na nim muzykę.
The Reliability of [C II] as a Star Formation Rate Indicator
Authors: De Looze Ilse , Baes Maarten , Fritz Jacopo , Bendo George J. , Cortese Luca
Published: March 2017

We present a calibration of the star formation rate (SFR) as a function of the [C II] 157.74 μm luminosity for a sample of 24 star-forming galaxies in the nearby universe. In order to calibrate the SFR against the line luminosity, we rely on both GALEX FUV data, which is an ideal tracer of the unobscured star formation, and Spitzer MIPS 24 μm, to probe the dust-enshrouded fraction of star formation. For this sample of normal star-forming galaxies, the [C II] luminosity correlates well with the star formation rate. However, the extension of this relation to more quiescent (Hα EW≤10 Å) or ultra luminous galaxies (L
The Effect of an Inert Solid Reservoir on Molecular Abundances in Dense Interstellar Clouds
Authors: Kalvāns Juris , Shmeld Ivar
Published: March 2017

The question, what is the role of freeze-out of chemical species in determining the molecular abundances in the interstellar gas is a matter of debate. We investigate a theoretical case of a dense interstellar molecular cloud core by time-dependent modeling of chemical kinetics, where grain surface reactions deliberately are not included. That means, the gas-phase and solid-phase abundances are influenced only by gas reactions, accretion on grains and desorption. We compare the results to a reference model where no accretion occurs, and only gas-phase reactions are included. We can trace that the purely physical processes of molecule accretion and desorption have major chemical consequences on the gas-phase chemistry. The main effect of introduction of the gas-grain interaction is long-term molecule abundance changes that come nowhere near an equilibrium during the typical lifetime of a prestellar core.
Isolated Sunspot with a Dark Patch in the Coronal Emission
Authors: Bezrukov D. A. , Ryabov B. I. , Shibasaki K.
Published: March 2017

On the base of the 17 GHz radio maps of the Sun taken with the Nobeyama Radio Heliograph we estimate plasma parameters in the specific region of the sunspot atmosphere in the active region AR 11312. This region of the sunspot atmosphere is characterized by the depletion in coronal emission (soft X-ray and EUV lines) and the reduced absorption in the a chromospheric line (He I 1.083 μm). In the ordinary normal mode of 17 GHz emission the corresponding dark patch has the largest visibility near the central solar meridian. We infer that the reduced coronal plasma density of about ~ 5 × 108 cm−3 is the characteristic feature of the dark patch.
Texture analysis of Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae) thallus reveals trade-off between tissue tensile strength and toughness along lamina
Authors: Lubsch Alexander , Timmermans Klaas
Published: March 2017

Texture analysis is a method to test the physical properties of a material by tension and compression. The growing interest in commercialisation of seaweeds for human food has stimulated research into the physical properties of seaweed tissue. These are important parameters for the survival of sessile organisms consistently exposed to turbulent flow and varying drag-forces. These tactile properties also affect consumer perception and acceptance of materials. Here, we present a standardised method to determine these physical properties using, as an example, the brown seaweed
Lingua receptiva: Position paper on the European Commission’s Skills Agenda
Authors: D ten Thije Jan , Gooskens Charlotte , Daems Frans , Cornips Leonie , Smits Mieke
Published: March 2017

Through the New Skills for New Jobs initiative, the European Commission wants to (1) promote better anticipation of future skills needs, (2) develop better matching between skills and labour market needs and (3) bridge the gap between the worlds of education and work. With relatively little effort, the use of lingua receptiva can contribute significantly towards achieving these goals. Including it in the Skills Agenda as a “transversal skill” could:– enhance the key competence “Communicating in and learning a foreign language”;

– refine the European Qualification Framework (EQF); and,

– strengthen the Europass.

This position paper

This position paper was published on 11 May 2016 at: http://taalunieversum.org/sites/tuv/files/downloads/Taalunie%20positionpaper%20luistertaal%20(Engels)-def.pdf#search=%22position+paper+lingua+%22. It was written by Jan D. ten Thije (Utrecht University), Charlotte Gooskens (University of Groningen), Frans Daems (University of Antwerp), Leonie Cornips (Maastricht University, Meertens Institute), Mieke Smits (Dutch Language Union).

elaborates on the arguments for including Lingua Receptiva in these policy papers.
Fetal cardiac tumors: clinical features, management and prognosis
Authors: Yuan Shi-Min
Published: March 2017

Fetal cardiac tumors are rare and usually benign. While echocardiography is a reliable technique for diagnosing fetal cardiac tumors, their definitive diagnosis relies on pathological examination. The strategies used to manage fetal cardiac tumors are challenging. A good clinical result is their complete regression during pregnancy or shortly after birth, as often occurs with cardiac rhabdomyomas. Moreover, the fetal prognosis depends on the nature of the tumors, namely, their location, size, number and associated complications. The active treatment options for symptomatic fetuses depend on the fetal status and may include fetal open surgery, postnatal tumor resection with or without the bridge of intrauterine pericardiocentesis, and thoracoamniotic shunting. Theex uterointrapartum treatment procedure provides an alternative technique for performing fetal open surgery and has shown promising preliminary results in selected cases, but is invasive for both the mother and fetus.
Oxygen saturation trends in normal healthy term newborns: normal vaginal delivery vs. elective cesarean section
Authors: Bhargava Rashi , Mathur Madhu , Patodia Jyoti
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

To study the normal oxygen saturation trends and fetomaternal correlates in healthy term newborns within 30 min of life born by normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and elective cesarean section (CS).

Materials and methods::

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 healthy term newborns born by NVD and elective CS at a tertiary care centre. Routine care as per the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) 2015 (Wyckoff MH, Aziz K, Escobedo MB, Kapadia VS, Kattwinkel J, Perlman JM, et al. Part 13: neonatal resuscitation: 2015 American Heart Association guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2015;132:S543–60) protocol was given and pre-ductal arterial oxygen saturation was assessed by pulse oximetry at different intervals after birth.

Results:

The mean peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) was 85.4%, 90.8%, 94.1%, 95.7%, 96.7% and 97.4% at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min, respectively, after birth. Higher mean SpO2was observed in NVD compared to elective CS (P<0.005). The mean time for SpO2to reach >90% was 9.13 min in NVD and 12.31 min in elective CS (P<0.001). Maternal hemoglobin (Hb) (r=−0.15; P<0.01), birth weight (r=−0.125; P<0.05) and Apgar at 10 min (r=0.33; P<0.001) were significantly correlated with SpO2of newborns at 10 min of life.

Conclusion:

Our study defines normal SpO2levels in healthy term newborns in the first 30 min of life born by NVD and elective CS. Babies born by NVD had significantly higher SpO2levels and attained SpO2>90% faster than those born by elective CS. Maternal Hb, birth weight and Apgar at 10 min were significant factors affecting SpO2levels of newborns at 10 min of life.
Information Literacy Self-efficacy Dimensions of Post Graduate Students: Validating a Persian Version Scale
Authors: Keshavarz Hamid , Esmailie Givi Mohammad Reza , Vafaeian Amir , Khademian Mahdi
Published: March 2017

The two key concepts of information literacy and self-efficacy are of the utmost importance in information searches, especially in new information and media environments such as the web. As a result, the sense of efficacy related to the information literacy skills of users should be regarded as a real concern. The article reports on research regarding Information Literacy Self-efficacy dimensions in a sample of post-graduate students at Shahed University, Tehran, Iran. A survey-descriptive method using a highly validated 28-item scale developed by Kurbanoglu, Akkoyunlu and Umay (