bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of News Media’s Public Agenda-Setting Effects, 1972-2015
Authors: Luo Yunjuan , Burley Hansel , Moe Alexander , Sui Mingxiao
Published: November 2018

This study used rigorous meta-analytic approaches to analyze empirical agenda-setting studies published from 1972 to 2015, and 67 studies that met the inclusion criteria for analysis produced a moderate grand mean effect size of 0.487. A multiple regression analysis revealed one most notable predictor that classified the basis for the study correlation as either content categories or survey participants. A multiple regression of a subgroup using content categories produced homogeneity. The mean effect size for these studies was 0.51. This is an indication of consistency in findings across agenda-setting studies and the presence of strong news media’s public agenda-setting effects.
Modern explorations of the Brachistochrone-related problem: using the Udwadia–Kalaba approach
Authors: Sun Qinqin , Wang Xiuye , Chen Ye-Hwa
Published: November 2018

Modern explorations regarding the search for a curve subject to a minimization principle and its inverse, namely the search for the minimization object based on a given curve, are made. By using the Udwadia–Kalaba theory, which subsumes the Coulomb friction force as a non-ideal constraint, we obtain the analytic expression of the equation of motion for a particle moving along the Brachistochrone cycloid curve under Coulomb friction. Then we perform the inverse problem for the moving particle. That is, while the Brachistochrone cycloid curve is given, we seek the corresponding minimization object. Both the situations with and without friction are addressed. Finally, we return to the search for a curve subject to a minimization principle to complete the loop. However, this time we presume the minimization object is the total travel time, which was addressed in the classical Brachistochrone problem (hence, frictionless), while recognizing the presence of Coulomb friction. All three analyses come to meet at the special case when there is no friction. Our research reveals profound insights that have not been reported previously. The loop analysis also suggests a new angle for the study of dynamic systems.
Stochastic thermoelastic interaction under a dual phase-lag model due to random temperature distribution at the boundary of a half-space
Authors: Gupta Manushi , Mukhopadhyay Santwana
Published: November 2018

In the present work, we discuss the thermoelastic interactions in a half-space in the context of the theory of dual phase-lag thermoelasticity due to stochastic conditions applied at the boundary. We consider a one-dimensional problem with traction-free boundary subjected to two types of time-dependent thermal distributions. The boundary conditions are assumed to be random in nature to make the problem more realistic and the noise added is considered to be white noise. The problem is solved using Laplace transform and short time approximation is used to find the approximate solution for field variables while taking the inverse transforms. The solution for the stochastic case has been obtained by using the concept of a Wiener process and stochastic simulation. Numerical analysis based on stochastic simulation is carried out using copper material along different sample paths and comparative analysis between the deterministic and the stochastic distributions of field variables is presented. Special attention is paid to highlight the effects of considering randomness added to the boundary conditions.
Design of periodic harmonic holes with surface tension in plane deformations
Authors: Dai Ming
Published: November 2018

In elasticity theory, harmonic holes are designed to leave the mean stress inside the surrounding material as a constant. In this paper, we present the design of periodic harmonic holes with surface tension in an elastic plane under a uniform remote loading. We identify the special shapes of such holes by solving a problem of the existence of a holomorphic function defined in a strip with one of the holes and satisfying specific boundary values. Several examples are given to illustrate the size-dependent effects of surface tension on the shapes of periodic harmonic holes.
Likely equilibria of stochastic hyperelastic spherical shells and tubes
Authors: Mihai L. Angela , Fitt Danielle , Woolley Thomas E. , Goriely Alain
Published: November 2018

In large deformations, internally pressurised elastic spherical shells and tubes may undergo a limit-point, or inflation, instability manifested by a rapid transition in which their radii suddenly increase. The possible existence of such an instability depends on the material constitutive model. Here, we revisit this problem in the context of stochastic incompressible hyperelastic materials, and ask the question: what is the probability distribution of stable radially symmetric inflation, such that the internal pressure always increases as the radial stretch increases? For the classic elastic problem, involving isotropic incompressible materials, there is a critical parameter value that strictly separates the cases where inflation instability can occur or not. By contrast, for the stochastic problem, we show that the inherent variability of the probabilistic parameters implies that there is always competition between the two cases. To illustrate this, we draw on published experimental data for rubber, and derive the probability distribution of the corresponding random shear modulus to predict the inflation responses for a spherical shell and a cylindrical tube made of a material characterised by this parameter.
7-year results of primary total hip arthroplasty with the uncemented Avenir stem
Authors: Erivan Roger , Villatte Guillaume , Brientini Jean-Michel , Kreider David , Descamps Stéphane , Boisgard Stéphane
Published: November 2018

Aims:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the 7-year functional outcome and radiographic results of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) performed with the uncemented Avenir stem.

Patients and methods:

Between January 2006 and October 2008, 100 consecutive primary hips in 92 patients were enrolled at 2 centres. The mean age at operation was 58.5 years (27–87 years). Mini-incision (50%) and standard approaches (50%) were used to implant 22 standard and 78 lateralised stems.

Results:

The 7-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 98.9% (95% CI, 92.9–99.8) with stem revision for any reason as endpoint. No stem related complications occurred. 1 stem revision was due to deep infection at 51 months post-op. We had 4 acetabular revisions. The mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) at 7 years follow-up was 93.1 points (60–100). Radiographic analysis showed 2 patients had non-progressive radiolucent lines and no patient had any signs of stem subsidence or loosening.

Conclusion:

The 7-year implant survival and the functional outcomes for THA performed with the study device are excellent and were in line with those documented for comparable contemporary uncemented fully HA-coated stems. Longer term follow-up of this consecutive series needs to be performed.
Cognitive-motor interference in persons with multiple sclerosis during five upper limb motor tasks with different complexity
Authors: Raats Joke , Lamers Ilse , Baert Ilse , Willekens Barbara , Veldkamp Renee , Feys Peter
Published: November 2018

Background:

Cognitive-motor interference in multiple sclerosis has been well examined during walking, but not during upper limb (UL) performance.

Objectives:

To examine the dual-task cost (DTC) in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and healthy controls (HC) in various type and complexity of UL motor tasks.

Method:

In total, 30 pwMS without major UL impairment and 30 HC performed five different UL tasks, in single condition and combined with the phonemic word list generation task. The percent change in performances was evaluated by the motor, cognitive, and combined DTC. The motor tasks consisted of four unimanual (sustained hand grip strength, box-and-block test, Purdue pegboard test, finger tapping task) and one bimanual task (Purdue pegboard test). Group and task differences were analyzed with unpaired and paired t-tests, respectively, and overall effect with a multivariate analysis of variance.

Results:

The motor DTC ranged between 10% (Purdue pegboard bimanual) and 35% (box-and-block test). The cognitive DTC ranged between −8% (finger tapping test) and +21% (bimanual Purdue pegboard). The magnitude of the combined DTC did not differ significantly between pwMS and HC in any task.

Conclusion:

DTC is influenced by the complexity of the UL task, but was not significantly different between HC and cognitive intact, but mildly motor disabled pwMS.
Persistent MOG-IgG positivity is a predictor of recurrence in MOG-IgG-associated optic neuritis, encephalitis and myelitis
Authors: Oliveira Luana Michelli , Apóstolos-Pereira Samira Luisa , Pitombeira Milena Sales , Bruel Torretta Pedro Henrique , Callegaro Dagoberto , Sato Douglas Kazutoshi
Published: November 2018

Background:

MOG-IgG-associated optic neuritis, encephalitis and myelitis (MONEM) is a recently recognized group of inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorders distinct from multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Limited data are available regarding the predictors of relapse in this condition.

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal serostatus of patients with MOG-IgG and to correlate serostatus with long-term clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Of 574 consecutive patients who presented with demyelinating inflammatory CNS disorders, we included 31 patients who were MOG-IgG-positive. Patients with MOG-IgG were followed up from 2011 to 2017 at the School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Results:

Relapsing disease occurred in 23 out of 31 patients (74%), while 8 (26%) exhibited a monophasic course. All monophasic patients, as well as the majority of relapsing patients, became seronegative during clinical remission. Patients exhibiting disease activity in the last 2 years were more likely to remain positive, with higher medium titres than those found in patients in clinical remission.

Conclusion:

MOG-IgG patients usually present with a relapsing course, and the risk of relapse was associated with longitudinally persistent MOG-IgG seropositivity. In contrast, patients who experienced a single attack became spontaneously seronegative for MOG-IgG during long-term follow-up.
Queer liveability: Inclusive church-scenes
Authors: Cuthbert Karen , Taylor Yvette
Published: November 2018

This article explores queer religious youths’ engagement with the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) – a church founded as a space of worship for LGBT Christians. Interested in sources of well-being in queer people’s lives, we show how MCC provided young religious queer people with a sense of home, family, and a phenomenological experience of ‘fit’ and ‘ease’. We connect to literature on the subjectivization of religion and suggest that MCC is a significant actor in this process, with spatial and liturgical practices that encourage the development of one’s own spiritual journey. However, we also temper these claims by showing how ‘tradition’ was still valued by many participants, evidenced in their continued affiliation with other (often non-inclusive) churches. We argue that this complicates arguments regarding ‘inclusivity’ as these ‘non-inclusive’ churches could also provide spaces of succour and support. Finally, we also consider MCC’s relationship with queerness/LGBT: participants differed in whether or not they saw MCC as part of or apart from the ‘scene’, complicating questions raised about assimilation vs. separatism, with the relative weight of ‘LGBT’ and ‘Christian’.
A split injection of wet ethanol to enable thermally stratified compression ignition
Authors: Gainey Brian , Hariharan Deivanayagam , Yan Ziming , Zilg Steven , Rahimi Boldaji Mozhgan , Lawler Benjamin
Published: November 2018

Thermally stratified compression ignition is a new advanced, low-temperature combustion mode that aims to control the heat release process in a lean, premixed, compression ignition combustion mode by controlling the level of thermal stratification in the cylinder. Specifically, this work uses a mixture of 80% ethanol and 20% water by mass, referred to as “wet ethanol” herein, to increase thermal stratification via evaporative cooling of areas targeted by an injection event during the compression stroke. The experiments conducted aim to both fundamentally understand the effect that a late cycle injection of wet ethanol has on the heat release process, and to use that effect to explore the high-load limit of thermally stratified compression ignition with wet ethanol. At an equivalence ratio of 0.5, injecting just 8% of the fuel during the compression stroke was shown to reduce the peak heat release rate by a factor of 2, subsequently avoiding excessive pressure rise rates. Under pure homogeneous charge compression ignition using wet ethanol as the fuel, the load range was found to be 2.5–3.9 bar gross indicated mean effective pressure. Using a split injection of wet ethanol, the high-load limit was extended to 7.0 bar gross indicated mean effective pressure under naturally aspirated conditions. Finally, intake boost was used to achieve high-load operation with low NOx (oxides of nitrogen (NO or NO2)) emissions and was shown to further increase the high-load limit to 7.6 bar gross indicated mean effective pressure at an intake pressure of 1.43 bar. These results show the ability of a split injection of wet ethanol to successfully control the heat release process and expand the operable load range in low-temperature combustion.
Walking a lonely path: gender, landscape and ‘new nature writing’
Authors: Hubbard Phil , Wilkinson Eleanor
Published: November 2018

‘New’ nature writing in Britain has been praised for shifting the focus of landscape appreciation towards the vernacular, the quotidian and the marginal. However, it has sometimes been accused of being insufficiently critical, and occluding questions of class, race and gender. Noting this, this article considers Carol Donaldson’s On the Marshes – an account of the diverse life of the north Kent marshes – in relation to debates concerning the way that the landscape is both walked and written. It concludes that Donaldson’s book offers a familiar trope of self-discovery via solitude, but that this takes on distinctly political dimensions given her ‘bold walking’ rejects many dominant assumptions about the way that women should experience and relate to nature.
Experiencing Europe after the Brexit shock
Authors: Seddon Terri , Niemeyer Beatrix
Published: November 2018

This introduction to the special issue questions the idea of ‘Brexit shock’. It uses this discursive theme to focus on the way policy discourse that unfolds through the space of governing Europe has become disconnected from everyday discourses that unfold through the space of experiencing Europe. This dilemma identifies the point of departure for this special issue, which focuses on experiencing Europe.
Addressing inequity through youth participatory action research: Toward a critically hopeful approach to more equitable schools
Authors: Carl Nicole Mittenfelner , Ravitch Sharon M
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we explore how youth participatory action research methods serve as a means of uncovering and addressing hidden curricula in schools. To illuminate, we present an example of one school-based youth participatory action research project in which high school students examined racism and sexism in their school. We discuss both the successes and challenges of youth participatory action research as a methodological approach to address inequity in schools.
Experimental and numerical study on the thermal performance of alternative insulation materials based on textile waste: A finite-difference approach
Authors: Wazna Mohamed EL , Ouhaibi Salma , Gounni Ayoub , Belouaggadia Naoual , Cherkaoui Omar , Alami Mustapha EL , Bouari Abdeslam EL
Published: November 2018

The aim of this work is a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the thermal performance of an external wall outfitted with new insulation materials based on textile waste using an experimental and numerical approach. The experimental study deals with the development and characterization of a new insulation material from wool and acrylic and then tests their thermal performance in a cavity which simulates a building room at reduced scale thermally controlled. The numerical study essentially centers on the development of a multilayer wall which simulates an external wall under laboratory conditions using finite difference method (implicit scheme method). First, a COMSOL tool is used to verify that the heat transfer in the external wall is unidirectional and then our numerical model is limited to a one-dimensional simulation. The numerical model is successfully validated owing to the experimental results. Using the numerical model, the thermal performance of the wall with the textile insulation is studied and their optimal thickness and location are determined. The variation of insulation thickness considerably influences the surface temperature up to a thickness of 6 cm and beyond the variation becomes less important. The results also show that the location and distribution of insulation has an effect on outdoor surface temperatures.
Information Needs Regarding Cognitive Late Effects of Caregivers of Central Nervous System Tumor Survivors
Authors: Schuele Kara , Bennett Andrea E. , Varughese Taniya , Abel Regina , Reichenbacher Claire , Green Karli , King Allison A.
Published: November 2018

Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumor survivors are at risk for experiencing cognitive late effects (CLEs). Caregivers of survivors may be unaware of these changes or receive untimely information regarding CLEs. Conversely, health care providers (HCPs) may face barriers to providing education. This study aims to (a) understand the knowledge and resource gap for caregivers regarding CLEs and (b) explore how HCPs currently provide education. Caregivers and HCPs were both interviewed. Qualitative analysis was performed using emergent coding. Fifteen caregivers and eight HCPs participated. Caregivers generally felt confident in assisting their survivor but experienced “information overload” during initial diagnosis and treatment. HCPs reported difficulties in determining appropriate timing for education and perceived that caregivers typically lack understanding of CLEs. Caregivers should be aware of and understand a survivor’s risk for CLEs to help survivors manage changes. With increasing survival rates of pediatric CNS tumor patients, HCPs must be prepared to provide appropriate education and referrals regarding CLEs for long-term care.
The Direct and Indirect Costs to Society of Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Gabrielli Alexandra S. , Lesiak Alex C. , Fowler John R.
Published: November 2018

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive neuropathies and affects a large amount of individuals. We investigated the direct and indirect cost to society of operative versus nonoperative management of CTS. Methods: A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to estimate the lifetime direct and indirect costs associated with nonoperative and operative treatment of CTS, and its utility to patients. Results: Operative treatment of CTS had a lower total cost and a higher utility when compared with nonoperative treatment. Conclusions: CTS surgery is clearly a cost-effective treatment strategy that should be included in the societal perspective regarding evolving costs and savings associated with health care.
Arterialization of the Venous System for Acute and Chronic Ischemia of the Hand: A Case Series With Prospective Duplex Ultrasound Assessment
Authors: Peters Blair R. , Liu Tianyi , Buchel Edward , Sigurdson Leif , Hayakawa Thomas , Islur Avinash
Published: November 2018

Background: Ischemia of the hand is a debilitating condition. In many cases, the cause of ischemia is diffuse atherosclerosis with no distal vessels available for bypass. In these situations, options are limited to restore perfusion, and there is a potential role for arterialization of the venous system to relieve ischemic pain and avoid amputation. Methods: This is a retrospective review of all patients at our institution who underwent arterialization of the venous system between 2010 and 2014 by 4 surgeons for acute or chronic ischemia of the upper extremity not amenable to bypass procedures. Indications, preoperative and postoperative findings, and the requirement for future digital amputations were recorded. The patients were then evaluated prospectively for the patency of arteriovenous anastomosis and the pattern of perfusion by duplex ultrasound studies. Results: Eight patients with 10 upper extremities underwent arterialization of the venous system. All patients with chronic ischemia went on to heal their ischemic ulcerations with relief of rest pain and avoided amputation. Eight upper extremities had arterial Doppler and duplex ultrasound signals showing arterialized dorsal veins demonstrating flow from the dorsal veins heading volar via the intrinsic compartments into the digital arteries. Conclusions: This study illustrates the successful use of arterialization of the venous system of the hand in both acute and chronic hand ischemia. It reports on prospective imaging and duplex ultrasound studies confirming patency of the anastomosis and objective evidence of distal arterial flow. Based on our experience, we believe that arterialization of the venous system may provide an effective salvage option in the setting where no distal bypass is available.
To Tie or Not to Tie: A Systematic Review of Postaxial Polydactyly and Outcomes of Suture Ligation Versus Surgical Excision
Authors: Chopan Mustafa , Sayadi Lohrasb , Chim Harvey , Buchanan Patrick J.
Published: November 2018

Background: Ulnar polydactyly is frequently encountered in the newborn nursery and is commonly treated with bedside suture ligation. However, growing concern about the complications associated with suture ligation has led some practitioners to advocate for primary surgical excision instead. Thus, we set out to compare outcomes of suture ligation and surgical excision by systematic appraisal of the literature. Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was performed to identify studies published between 1950 and 2017 that described outcomes of suture ligation, surgical excision, or both. Baseline characteristics, complications, and study quality were extracted for each included article. Results: A total of 900 articles were reviewed, of which 10 studies (8 case series, 2 comparative analyses) met the inclusion criteria. There was considerable heterogeneity among the studies with respect to patient characteristics and reported outcomes. There were 2 retrospective case series of suture ligation that reported no acute complications and a variable proportion of patients with residual remnants or neuromas. Studies evaluating surgical ligation reported no acute or long-term complications, with only 1 case series reporting a small percentage of residual remnants. However, in the largest cohort analysis, the difference in complication rate was reported to be as high as 23.5% for suture ligation compared with 3% for surgical excision. Conclusions: There is a paucity of literature limiting the comparison of suture ligation and surgical excision for ulnar polydactyly. Further studies are required to determine the optimal treatment.
Secondary Effects of Radiation Therapy to the Hand for Benign Conditions
Authors: Steen Kalila , Hayward Victoria , Novak Christine , Anastakis Dimitri , McCabe Steven
Published: November 2018

Background: Emerging literature introduces radiation therapy for benign hand conditions. However, hand surgeons are wary recommending radiation therapy for nonmalignant conditions. In our practice, we have used radiation therapy for patients who present with infiltrative or recurrent giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) since 1998. The purpose of this study is to examine the secondary effects of radiation to the hand through the critical lens of a hand surgeon. Methods: A case series of patients who received radiation therapy for GCTTS were reviewed. The Radiation Oncology/Toxicity Grading Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Schema was used, and patients were questioned about symptoms and examined for physical findings involving their irradiated digits. Results: A total of 8 patients with GCTTS presented for follow-up. The average patient age was 59.1 years, and the average time since radiation therapy was 5.4 years. Patients had an average of 2.3 surgeries on the affected digit prior to receiving radiation therapy. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 8.1. The most common sign of radiation was nail changes. All patients complained of sensibility changes, although only 2 of the 8 patients had abnormal moving 2-point discrimination tests. There were no confirmed recurrences of GCTTS and no skin cancers. Conclusions: Patients who received radiation therapy to the hand report high levels of satisfaction with the therapy. Radiation therapy is tolerated well by these patients and has a low level of morbidity in our population.
Impact of aortic stent-graft oversizing on outcomes of the chimney endovascular technique based on a new analysis of the PERICLES Registry
Authors: Donas Konstantinos P , Usai Marco V , Taneva Gergana T , Criado Frank J , Torsello Giovanni B , Kubilis Paul , Scali Salvatore , Veith Frank J
Published: November 2018

Objective

Chimney endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is gaining ever greater acceptance. However, persistent gutters leading to type IA endoleaks represent an unsolved issue. The aim of the current study was to analyze the impact of abdominal endograft oversizing to the occurrence of this phenomenon.

Methods

The PERformance of the snorkel/chImney endovascular teChnique in the treatment of compLex aortic PathologiesES registry includes the largest experience with chimney endovascular aortic aneurysm repair from 13 vascular centers in Europe and the U.S. Prospectively collected data from centers with standard use of the Endurant stent-graft and balloon-expandable covered stents as chimney grafts only were included in the present analysis. The parameter which varied was the degree of oversizing of the aortic stent-graft classifying the cohort in two groups, group A (20% and less oversizing) and group B (>20% of oversizing). The primary endpoint was the incidence of persistent type IA endoleak needed reintervention. Secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality and freedom from reintervention.

Results

Group A included 21 patients while group B 144. The mean preoperative pathology’s neck length and diameter was 5.8 mm (±4.4) versus 4.9 mm (±3.8) and 27.6 mm (±4.7) versus 24.9 mm (±3.7) for group A and group B, respectively. The mean length of the new sealing zone after chimney graft placement was similar for both groups (group A versus group B; 17.9 mm versus 18.3 mm, respectively, P = .21). The percentage of oversizing of the aortic stent-graft ranged between 13.8 and 20% versus 22.2 and 30%, for group A and group B, respectively. Patients of group A had more type 1A endoleaks, (14.3%) versus patients of group B (2.1%) based on the first follow-up imaging, P = .02. The incidence of persistent type IA endoleaks needing a reintervention was 14.3 and 1.4% for the group A and group B, respectively, P = .01. The mean volume of contrast medium used was greater in group A versus group B with 239 ml versus150 ml, P = .05. Additionally, 14.3% of patients of group A experienced acute renal failure compared to those in group B which was 1.0%, P = .01.

Conclusions

Oversizing of ideally 30% of the Endurant stent-graft is associated with significant lower incidence of type IA endoleaks requiring reintervention for patients treated by chimney endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.
History, periodization and the character of contemporary crime control
Authors: Churchill David
Published: November 2018

In recent decades, several highly influential studies have sought to articulate the changed and changing character of contemporary crime control in its historical context. While the substantive claims of these studies have attracted close scrutiny, there has been remarkably little analysis of the historiographical apparatus underpinning them. As a result, criminology has neglected to develop a valuable, critical vantage point on how crime and justice in our own times are understood. This article advances discussion of contemporary crime control by critically assessing the historiographical foundations of existing studies. Furthermore, it outlines a new approach to analysing the governance of crime through time, which might facilitate a more empirically robust and satisfactory characterization of contemporary crime control. More broadly, the article signals the significance of history and historiography for contemporary criminological scholarship, and reflects upon the advantages of developing a more fully historical criminology.
Postoperative stress and pain response applying fast-track protocol in patients undergoing hepatectomy
Authors: Kapritsou Maria , Konstantinou Evangelos A , Korkolis Dimitris P , Kalafati Maria , Kaklamanos Ioannis , Giannakopoulou Margarita
Published: November 2018

Aim

To assess the clinical parameters and compare the stress and pain response between fast-track recovery protocol and conventional treatment in patients undergoing major liver resection.

Methods

Eighty-eight patients suffering from malignant liver tumours were surgically treated from May 2012 to March 2015. After randomisation, they were prospectively divided into two groups: group fast-track patients (n = 46) and group conventional treatment patients (n = 42). Demographic and clinical data were collected and patients were assessed with pain scale (behavioural observation scale and visual analog scale), while depression levels were evaluated with Zung self-rating depression scale and three Numeric Analog Scale self-reported questions. Peripheral blood samples were collected at time points: T1 on the admission day, T2 on the day of surgery and T3 on the day of discharge examining serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol.

Conclusion

Fast-track recovery protocols seem to be associated with improvement in several clinical parameters, without compromising, biologic or emotional stress in patients undergoing major liver resection.
Risk stratification by means of biological age-related factors better predicts cancer-specific survival than chronological age in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a multi-institutional database study
Authors: Inamoto Teruo , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Ibuki Naokazu , Komura Kazumasa , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Shiina Hiroaki , Sakano Shigeru , Nagao Kazuhiro , Miyake Makito , Yasumoto Hiroaki , Azuma Haruhito ,   Nishinihon Uro-Oncology Collaborative Group
Published: November 2018

Background:

Chronological age is an important factor in determining the treatment options and clinical response of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Much evidence suggests that chronological age alone is an inadequate indicator to predict the clinical response to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Patients and methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the data from 1510 patients with UTUC (Ta-4) treated by surgery. White blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, hemoglobin (Hb), platelets, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, and corrected calcium were tested by the Spearman correlation to indicate the direction of association with chronological age, which yielded significant, negative associations of Hb ( p < 0.001) and WBC ( p = 0.010) with chronological age. For scoring, we assigned points for these categories as follows; point ‘0’ for Hb >14 (reference) and 13–13.9 [odds ratio (OR): 1.533], point ‘1’ for 12–12.9 (OR: 2.391), point ‘2’ for 11–11.9 (OR: 3.015), and point ‘3’ for <11 (OR: 3.584). For WBC, point ‘1’ was assigned for >9200 (OR: 2.541) and ‘0’ was assigned for the rest; 9200–8500 (reference), 8499–6000 (OR: 0.873), 5999–4500 (OR: 0.772), 4499–3200 (OR: 0.486), and <3200 (OR: 1.277).

Results:

The 10-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) in the higher risk group with scores of 4 or higher in patients age <60 years was worse than a score of 0, or 1 in age >80 years [mean estimated survival 69.7 months, confidence interval (CI): 33.3–106 versus 103.5. CI: 91–115.9]. The concordance index between biological age scoring and chronological age was 0.704 for CSS and 0.798 for recurrence-free survival. The limitation of the present study is the retrospective nature of the cohort included.

Conclusions:

The biological age scoring developed for patients with UTUC undergoing RNU. It was applicable to those with localized disease and performed well in diverse age populations.
Apalutamide in the treatment of castrate-resistant prostate cancer: evidence from clinical trials
Authors: Koshkin Vadim S. , Small Eric J.
Published: November 2018

Apalutamide (ARN-509) is a second-generation androgen receptor (AR) antagonist that was developed to inhibit AR-mediated prostate cancer cell proliferation. Following the initial promising clinical efficacy results in phase I and II clinical trials of patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), apalutamide has been investigated in several phase III trials. Particular interest has focused on the development of effective therapy for the prevention of disease progression in patients with nonmetastatic (nm or M0) CRPC, especially patients who have a rapid prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time that is indicative of shorter bone metastasis-free survival and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The results from the phase III SPARTAN trial were recently published and reported a significant benefit of apalutamide relative to placebo in patients with nmCRPC and a high risk of metastatic progression. The study noted marked improvement in the primary endpoint of metastasis-free survival as well as several relevant secondary clinical endpoints, including time to symptomatic progression. These results led to the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approval of apalutamide in the nmCRPC setting in February 2018. This review summarizes the clinical development of apalutamide, culminating with the pivotal SPARTAN trial as well as other phase III trials which may further expand potential indications for this agent in the near future.
Polyurethane/clay nanocomposites from palm oil for surface-coating applications
Authors: Satriananda  , Riza Medyan , Mulyati Sri , Mulana Farid
Published: November 2018

Synthesis of palm oil-based polyurethane (PU) and the formation of nanocomposite from a mixture of PU with clay filler has been performed. Polyol which is the basic material of PU is formed by epoxidation and hydroxylation process and then mixed with isocyanate. Clay used as filler in this study was obtained from the local area of North Aceh, which is a type of swelling of clay that has been modified with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide surfactant. Nanocomposites are formed from PU with clay fill variations of 3%, 5%, and 8% by weight of the total mixture of 40 g. The resulting material is tested in character by some type of characterization. Based on the test results with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the hydroxyl polyol group was obtained in groups of 3390.870 (O–H) and –NH as the PU microdomain structure was obtained at a wavelength of 2987 cm−1. Morphological test results using scanning electron microscopy revealed that the addition of modified clay increases the adhesion in the paint and PU coatings and also increases the gloss from the surface and homogeneous material. The thermal endurance test with thermogravimetric analysis reported that the addition of clay fillers in PU showed enhanced effects for better thermal stability in nanocomposite materials when compared with neat polymers. Samples of PU/clay nanocomposites with the addition of 8 wt% clay filler were the most optimum composites among other variations with the thermal degradation temperature value of 296°C. This research generates prospects for applying various industrial surface coatings that are resistant to corrosion and heat, have good mechanical properties, and are more environmentally friendly.
Severe mycotic keratoconjunctivitis caused by Fusarium sp. in an immunocompetent child successfully treated with intravenous voriconazole and keratoplasty: case report and short review of the literature
Authors: Chacon-Cruz Enrique , Male-Valle Francisco , Rivas-Landeros Rosa M. , Lopatynsky-Reyes Erika Z. , Almada-Salazar Lucila A. , Becka Chandra M.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Pediatric mycotic infections in the eye are uncommon. However, ophthalmic infections by several fungal species have been described in immunocompetent subjects. Mycotic keratitis with or without conjunctivitis (MK) may account for more than 50% of all cases, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical areas. The leading mechanism is trauma. Treatment of MK is managed by medical (antifungal agents) and/or surgical means. This is the first case report of a patient with MK by Fusarium spp. successfully treated with keratoplasty and intravenous voriconazole, along with topical natamycin.

Methods:

Keratoplasty was performed and cultures obtained. Both Blood and Sabouraud Agars were used for cultures, and Lactophenol Cotton Blue Staining for microscopic observation.

Results:

A healthy, 10 year-old female, from the sub-tropical area of Sinaloa, Mexico, was admitted at both the CODET Vision Institute and the General Hospital of Tijuana, Mexico. Seven days after a direct trauma of the right cornea, the patient complained of progressive blurred vision, burning sensation, and itchiness. Clinical examination showed severe keratoconjunctivitis, and a necrotic slough on the cornea. Fungal colonies grew, and microscopic visualization showed typical ovoid, sickle-cell shaped macroconidia characteristics of Fusarium spp. The patient received intravenous voriconazole (200 mg every 12 h) and topical natamycin for 7 days prior and 6 days after keratoplasty. Topical natamycin was continued for 3 weeks. At 1-month follow-up, the patient’s outcome was significantly improved, with 90% vision recovery.

Conclusion:

This is the first pediatric case report of severe MK by Fusarium spp. successfully treated with combined intravenous voriconazole, keratoplasty and topical natamycin.
Single-Incision Double-Plating Approach in the Management of Isolated, Closed Osteoporotic Distal Femoral Fractures
Authors: Metwaly Radwan G. , Zakaria Zeiad M.
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Distal femoral fractures in elderly population had recorded an increase in incidence in the last 2 decades. Lateral distal femoral locking plating is considered one of the best options especially when dealing with comminuted fractures but varus collapse of the medial femoral condyle occurs frequently in patients with osteoporosis. Anatomical reduction of the fracture with stable rigid fixation using double-plating approach allows early mobilization of geriatric population and prevents varus collapse minimizing the comorbidities in such fractures.

Patients and Methods:

Between September 2014 and January 2017, a prospective study on 23 patients with comminuted osteoporotic distal femoral fractures managed through the double-plating approach through a single parapatellar approach has been conducted. Only osteoporotic geriatric patients with isolated distal femoral fractures were included. Polytraumatized, open fractures, and fracture type 33-A1, 33-A2, and 33-B were excluded. The mean age was 69.6 years (61-80). All patients have been evaluated as regard duration of procedure, time to union, EQ-5D-5L score, the need of autologous bone grafts, range of knee motion, and presence of complications.

Results:

The average follow-up was 14.1 months. The majority of fractures were type 33-C2 (13 patients). Average procedure time was 148 minutes (117-193 minutes). Mean EQ-5D-5 L score was 83.8 (72-82). Average time to union was 9 months (3-12 months). Four (17.4%) cases needed autologous bone graft after 6 months. No loss of reduction in any of the cases was evident, although 6 (26%) cases had screw breakage or cutout in one of the plate fixation. Two (8.7%) patient developed superficial wound infection and 1 (4.3%) developed DVT.

Discussion:

This study aimed at evaluation of the success of double plating of distal femoral fractures in geriatric population. different fixation methods were studied for reduction and fixation of such a fracture such as external fixation, intramedullary nails and lateral plating. the quality of fracture reduction, functional and radiological outcomes, time to union, the need for bone grafting and complication are the main debatable issues.

Conclusion:

Single-incision double-plating approach for distal femoral osteoporotic fractures is effective and provides stable construct without reduction loss allowing early rehabilitation. Delayed union and the need for bone graft are the major drawbacks for this technique.
DREAM Act-Eligible Poised to Build on the Investments Made in Them
Authors: Kerwin Donald , Warren Robert
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the results of a study by the Center for Migration Studies (CMS) on potential beneficiaries of the DREAM Act of 2017 (the “DREAM Act” or “Act”). The study reveals a long-term, highly productive population, with deep ties to the United States. In particular, it finds that:

• More than 2.2 million US residents would qualify for conditional residence under the DREAM Act. • An additional 929,000 — who are now age 18 and over — arrived when they were under 18, but have not graduated from high school and are not enrolled in school and, thus, would not currently qualify for status under the Act. • The DREAM Act-eligible can be found in large numbers (5,000 or more) in 41 states and more than 30 counties, metropolitan areas, and cities. • Potential DREAM Act recipients have lived in the United States for an average of 14 years. • Sixty-five percent (age 16 and above) participate in the labor force, with far higher rates in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Utah, Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, and Oregon. • This population works heavily in sales and related occupations; food preparation and serving; construction and extracting; office and administrative support; production; transportation and material moving; and building/grounds cleaning and maintenance. • Many of the DREAM Act-eligible are highly skilled and credentialed. • 70,500 are self-employed. • Eighty-eight percent speaks English exclusively, very well, or well. • 392,500 have US-citizen children, and more than 100,000 are married to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. • Twenty-nine percent has attended college or received a college degree. • The DREAM Act-eligible include 50,700 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients from El Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras, 45 percent of whom live in the Miami metro area, Los Angeles County, the Washington, DC area, Houston, New York City, the San Francisco metro area, and the City of Dallas.

The study also underscores the immense investment — $150 billion — that states and localities have already made in educating these young Americans. It argues that over time and with a path to citizenship the return on this investment will increase by virtually every indicia of integration — education levels, employment rates, self-employment numbers, US family members, and English language proficiency.
Twenty Years after IIRIRA: The Rise of Immigrant Detention and its Effects on Latinx Communities across the Nation
Authors: Juárez Melina , Gómez-Aguiñaga Bárbara , Bettez Sonia P.
Published: November 2018

This paper studies the dynamics of detention, deportation, and the criminalization of immigrants. We ground our analyses and discussion around the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996's (IIRIRA's) detention mandate, the role of special interest groups and federal policies. We argue that these special interest groups and major federal policies have come together to fuel the expansion of immigrant detention to unprecedented levels. Moreover, we aim to incite discussion on what this rapid growth in detention means for human rights, legislative representation and democracy in the United States. This study analyzes two main questions: What is the role of special interests in the criminalization of immigrants? And does the rapid increase in detention pose challenges or risks to democracy in the United States? Our study is grounded within the limited, yet growing literature on immigrant detention, government data, and “gray” literature produced by nonprofits and organizations working on immigration-related issues. We construct a unique dataset using this literature and congressional reports to assess what factors are associated with the rise of immigrant detention. A series of correlations and a time series regression analysis reveal that major restrictive federal immigration policies such as IIRIRA, along with the increasing federal immigration enforcement budget, have had a significant impact on immigrant detention rates.

Based on these findings, we recommend three central policy actions. First, the paper recommends increased transparency and accountability on behalf of the Department of omeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and on lobbying expenditures from for-profit detention corporations. Second, it argues for the repeal of mandatory detention laws. These mandatory laws have led to the further criminalization and marginalization of undocumented immigrants. And lastly, it argues that repeal of the Congressional bed mandate would allow for the number of detainees to mirror actual detention needs, rather than providing an incentive to detain. However, we anticipate that the demand for beds will increase even more given the current administration's push for the criminalization and increased arrests of undocumented individuals. The rhetoric used by the present administration further criminalizes immigrants. 1
Immigration Governance for the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Wasem Ruth Ellen
Published: November 2018

The governance of immigration has a checkered past, and policy makers’ efforts at reform rarely meet expectations. Critiques have echoed over the years and across the political spectrum. The current system of immigration governance is scattered around the federal government, with no clear chain of command. No single government department or agency captures the breadth of the Immigration and Nationality Act's reach.

At the crux of understanding immigration governance is acknowledging that immigration is not a program to be administered; rather, it is a phenomenon to be managed. The abundance of commissions that have studied the issues and the various administrative structures over time offers some wisdom on ingredients for successful governance. Based upon this research, options for effective immigration governance emerge.

This paper studies the administration of immigration law and policy with an eye trained on immigration governance for the future. It opens with a historical overview that provides the backdrop for the current state of affairs. It then breaks down the missions and functions of the Immigration and Nationality Act by the lead agencies tasked with these responsibilities. The paper concludes with an analysis of options for improving immigration governance. Each of these options poses unique challenges as well as political obstacles.