bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regression of Atherosclerotic Plaques of Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits by Combined Chemotherapy With Paclitaxel and Methotrexate Carried in Lipid Core Nanoparticles
Authors: Gomes Fernando L. T. , Maranhão Raul C. , Tavares Elaine R. , Carvalho Priscila O. , Higuchi Maria L. , Mattos Fernando R. , Pitta Fabio G. , Hatab Sergio A. , Kalil-Filho Roberto , Serrano Carlos V.
Published: May 2018

In previous studies, it was demonstrated that lipid core nanoparticles (LDE) resemble the low-density lipoprotein structure and carrying the antiproliferative agent paclitaxel (PTX) strongly reduced atherosclerosis lesions induced in rabbits by cholesterol feeding. Currently, the aim was to verify whether combining LDE-PTX treatment with methotrexate (MTX) associated with LDE (LDE-MTX) could accelerate the atherosclerosis regression attained with single LDE-PTX treatment, after withdrawing the cholesterol feeding. Thirty-eight rabbits were fed 1% cholesterol chow for 8 weeks. Six of these rabbits were then euthanized for analyses of the aorta (controls). In the remaining rabbits, cholesterol feeding was withdrawn, and those 32 animals were allocated to 3 groups submitted to different 8-week intravenous treatments, all once/week: LDE-PTX (n = 10; 4 mg/kg), LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX (n = 11; 4 mg/kg), and LDE-alone (n = 11). Rabbits were then euthanized and aortas were excised for morphometric, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analyses. After cholesterol feeding withdrawal, in comparison with LDE-alone group, both LDE-PTX and LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX treatments had the ability to increase the regression of plaque areas: −49% in LDE-PTX and −59% for LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX. However, only LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX treatment elicited reduction in the intima area, estimated in −57%. Macrophage presence in aortic lesions was reduced 48% by LDE-PTX and 43% by LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 was reduced by either LDE-PTX (74%) or LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX (78%). Tumor necrosis factor α gene expression was reduced 65% by LDE-PTX and 79% by LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX. In conclusion, treatment with LDE-PTX indeed accelerated plaque reduction after cholesterol feeding; LDE-PTX + LDE-MTX further increased this effect, without any observed toxicity. These results pave the way for the use of combined chemotherapy to achieve stronger effects on aggravated, highly inflamed atherosclerotic lesions.
Transient responses of laminated anisotropic piezothermoelastic plates and cylindrical shells with interfacial diffusion and sliding in cylindrical bending
Authors: Wang Xu
Published: May 2018

With aid of the Stroh-type formalism and the state-space approach, a simple and elegant method is presented to obtain an exact solution for the time-dependent problem of a simply-supported laminated anisotropic piezothermoelastic plate in cylindrical bending with interfacial diffusion and sliding. The Stroh-type formalism is used to obtain the general solution of the thermoelectroelastic field in a certain layer. The state-space equation is then constructed for a laminated plate. The relaxation times and the transient thermoelectroelastic response of the laminated plate can be determined by solving the state-space equation via an analysis of a generalized eigenvalue problem. By using a similar method, we also derive an exact solution for a simply-supported laminated anisotropic piezothermoelastic cylindrical shell with interfacial diffusion and sliding under cylindrical bending.
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Predicts Academic Fluency, Beyond Contributions of Core Academic Skills, Attention, and Motor Speed
Authors: Jacobson Lisa A. , Mahone E. Mark
Published: May 2018

Objective: Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) is a distinct behavioral phenotype characterized by such symptoms as being slow to complete tasks, appearing drowsy or sleepy, and lacking initiative. Subcomponents of SCT appear differentially associated with inattention symptoms and child outcomes. Much of the work in this area has examined associations between SCT symptoms and ratings of behavior; few studies have examined associations with child performance. Method: We examined associations between SCT and timed reading and math skills in 247 referred youth ( M age = 11.55, range = 6-20; 67.6% male), controlling for the untimed academic skills, inattention, and graphomotor speed. Results: SCT consistently predicted timed academic fluency, after controlling for other component skills, for both reading (SCT Δ R2 = .039, p = .001) and math (Δ R2 = .049, p = .001). Conclusion: Results provide initial evidence for the unique association of SCT with timed academic performance. Understanding associations of SCT with actual child performance may allow for greater specificity in targeting interventions to address speed of performance.
Identification of Merger and Acquisition Waves and Their Macroeconomic Determinants in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Kim Jewoo , Zheng Tianshu , Arendt Susan W.
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the occurrence of merger and acquisition (M&A) waves in restaurant and lodging industries. By comparing actual frequency of M&A deals with simulated randomly generated deal frequency distributions, this study proved the presence of restaurant and lodging M&A waves. Macroeconomic determinants of the waves were then identified using factor analysis to extract underlying latent factors from 16 macroeconomic variables and employing a distributed lag model to investigate the effect of the extracted macroeconomic factors on the waves. Results showed that all factors (overall activity, market value, cost of debt, and inflation) significantly affected deal frequency in the hospitality industries studied. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are presented.
Dual-mobility bearings for patients with abductor-trochanteric complex insufficiency
Authors: Ozden Vahit E , Dikmen Goksel , Beksac Burak , Tozun Remzi
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to summarise the performance of dual-mobility cup systems for revision total hip arthroplasty in patients with abductor-trochanteric complex deficiency.

Methods:

We prospectively followed 17 patients (20 hips) with a mean age of 64.5 years (range 33-89 years) who underwent acetabular reconstruction with dual-mobility cups for aseptic loosening in 12 hips, infection treatment as second or single stage in 6 hips, and instability in 2 hips. All of the patients had abductor insufficiency. We evaluated the clinical Harris Hip scores (HHS) and radiographs for migration, loosening, and osteolysis. The survival of the components was calculated according to Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, and failure was defined as any dislocation, acetabular component or total hip revision for any reason.

Results:

The mean duration of follow-up was 38.1 months (range 24-98 months). There were 2 (12.5%) revisions for cemented cup migration after 11 months and 19 months respectively. There were no dislocations. At the last follow-up, the mean HHS increased from 42 points preoperatively to 86 points. The cumulative survival rate of the dual-mobility cup system was 93% (95% confidence interval 88-98.7%) at 5 years, with any revision as the end point.

Conclusion:

Dual-mobility cups may provide excellent stability in patients with abductor-trochanteric complex insufficiency.
Preferential spinal cord volume loss in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tsagkas Charidimos , Magon Stefano , Gaetano Laura , Pezold Simon , Naegelin Yvonne , Amann Michael , Stippich Christoph , Cattin Philippe , Wuerfel Jens , Bieri Oliver , Sprenger Till , Kappos Ludwig , Parmar Katrin
Published: May 2018

Background:

Little is known on longer term changes of spinal cord volume (SCV) in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

Objective:

Longitudinal evaluation of SCV loss in PPMS and its correlation to clinical outcomes, compared to relapse-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) subtypes.

Methods:

A total of 60 MS age-, sex- and disease duration-matched patients (12 PPMS, each 24 relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS)) were analysed annually over 6 years of follow-up. The upper cervical SCV was measured on 3D T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) images using a semi-automatic software (CORDIAL), along with the total brain volume (TBV), brain T2 lesion volume (T2LV) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Results:

PPMS showed faster SCV loss over time than RRMS ( p < 0.01) and by trend ( p = 0.066) compared with SPMS. In contrast to relapse-onset MS, in PPMS SCV loss progressed independent of TBV and T2LV changes. Moreover, in PPMS, SCV was the only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement associated with EDSS increase over time ( p < 0.01), as opposed to RRMS and SPMS.

Conclusion:

SCV loss is a strong predictor of clinical outcomes in PPMS and has shown to be faster and independent of brain MRI metrics compared to relapse-onset MS.
Hospitalization metrics associated with hospital-level variation in inferior vena cava filter utilization for patients with venous thromboembolism in the United States: Implications for quality of care
Authors: Chen Ming , Goodin Amie , Xiao Hong , Han Qiong , Raissi Driss , Brown Joshua
Published: May 2018

Variation in the use of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) across hospitals has been observed, suggesting differences in quality of care. Hospitalization metrics associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) patients have not been compared based on IVCF utilization rates using a national sample. We conducted a descriptive retrospective study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) to delineate the variability of hospitalization metrics across the hospital quartiles of IVCF utilization for VTE patients. The NRD included all-payer administrative inpatient records drawn from 22 states. Adult (≥ 18 years) patients with VTE hospitalizations with or without IVCF were identified from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2014 and hospitals were divided into quartiles based on the IVCF utilization rate as a proportion of VTE patients. Primary outcome measures were observed rates of in-hospital mortality, 30-day all-cause readmissions and VTE-related readmissions, cost, and length of stay. Patient case-mix characteristics and hospital-level factors by hospital quartiles of IVCF utilization rates, were compared. Overall, 12.29% of VTE patients had IVCF placement, with IVCF utilization ranging from 0% to 46.84%. The highest quartile had fewer pulmonary embolism patients relative to deep vein thrombosis patients, and older patient ages were present in higher quartiles. The highest quartile of hospitals placing IVCFs were more often private, for-profit, and non-teaching. Patient and hospital characteristics and hospitalization metrics varied by IVCF utilization rates, but hospitalization outcomes for non-IVCF patients varied most between quartiles. Future work investigating the implications of IVCF utilization rates as a measure of quality of care for VTE patients is needed.
Is social media bad for mental health and wellbeing? Exploring the perspectives of adolescents
Authors: O’Reilly Michelle , Dogra Nisha , Whiteman Natasha , Hughes Jason , Eruyar Seyda , Reilly Paul
Published: May 2018

Despite growing evidence of the effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents, there is still a dearth of empirical research into how adolescents themselves perceive social media, especially as knowledge resource, or how they draw upon the wider social and media discourses to express a viewpoint. Accordingly, this article contributes to this scarce literature. Six focus groups took place over 3 months with 54 adolescents aged 11–18 years, recruited from schools in Leicester and London (UK). Thematic analysis suggested that adolescents perceived social media as a threat to mental wellbeing and three themes were identified: (1) it was believed to cause mood and anxiety disorders for some adolescents, (2) it was viewed as a platform for cyberbullying and (3) the use of social media itself was often framed as a kind of ‘addiction’. Future research should focus on targeting and utilising social media for promoting mental wellbeing among adolescents and educating youth to manage the possible deleterious effects.
Mental health interventions among older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Niclasen Janni , Lund Lisbeth , Obel Carsten , Larsen Lars
Published: May 2018

Background: The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review to identify documented mental health promotion interventions developed and tested among population-based older adults. Methods: A systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines. The literature was searched in PsycINFO and PubMed between June and September 2016. The Effective Public Health Practice Project tool was used to assess the quality of the included study. Results: In total 53 randomized controlled trial studies qualified for the systematic review. Across studies, three types of common conceptual themes emerged for interventions, including: 1) individual characteristics; 2) content and structure of the interventions; and 3) implementation of the interventions. Conclusions: No specific interventions could be recommended on the aforementioned basis. We conclude that a number of factors are of central importance for an intervention to have the desired effect. If these factors are considered, mental health can be successfully promoted among older adults.
The Role of Family Cultural Practices in the College Readiness Journey of Mexican American High School AVID Seniors
Authors: Paugh Nora
Published: May 2018

Going to college is an expectation for many students, but this is not always the norm for many minority families. The decision to leave the comfort of home for college includes many family discussions and literacy practices that greatly affect a student. Studying family literacy practices such as storytelling and “ cuentos y consejos” allows us to understand the concerns families possess as their daughters transition from home to college.
Cognitive Performance and Locomotor Adaptation in Persons With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Stone Amanda E. , Roper Jaimie A. , Herman Daniel C. , Hass Chris J.
Published: May 2018

Background. Persons with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) show deficits in gait and neuromuscular control following rehabilitation. This altered behavior extends to locomotor adaptation and learning, however the contributing factors to this observed behavior have yet to be investigated. Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in locomotor adaptation and learning between ACLR and controls, and identify underlying contributors to motor adaptation in these individuals. Methods. Twenty ACLR individuals and 20 healthy controls (CON) agreed to participate in this study. Participants performed four cognitive and dexterity tasks (local version of Trail Making Test, reaction time test, electronic pursuit rotor test, and the Purdue pegboard). Three-dimensional kinematics were also collected while participants walked on a split-belt treadmill. Results. ACLR individuals completed the local versions of Trails A and Trails B significantly faster than CON. During split-belt walking, ACLR individuals demonstrated smaller step length asymmetry during EARLY and LATE adaptation, smaller double support asymmetry during MID adaptation, and larger stance time asymmetry during DE-ADAPT compared with CON. Conclusions. ACLR individuals performed better during tasks that required visual attention and task switching and were less perturbed during split-belt walking compared to controls. Persons with ACLR may use different strategies than controls, cognitive or otherwise, to adapt locomotor patterns.
The Era of the Large Databases: Outcomes After Gastroesophageal Surgery According to NSQIP, NIS, and NCDB Databases. Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Batista Rodríguez Gabriela , Balla Andrea , Fernández-Ananín Sonia , Balagué Carmen , Targarona Eduard M.
Published: May 2018

Background. The term big data refers to databases that include large amounts of information used in various areas of knowledge. Currently, there are large databases that allow the evaluation of postoperative evolution, such as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP), the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample (NIS), and the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The aim of this review was to evaluate the clinical impact of information obtained from these registries regarding gastroesophageal surgery. Methods. A systematic review using the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines was performed. The research was carried out using the PubMed database identifying 251 articles. All outcomes related to gastroesophageal surgery were analyzed. Results. A total of 34 articles published between January 2007 and July 2017 were included, for a total of 345 697 patients. Studies were analyzed and divided according to the type of surgery and main theme in (1) esophageal surgery and (2) gastric surgery. Conclusions. The information provided by these databases is an effective way to obtain levels of evidence not obtainable by conventional methods. Furthermore, this information is useful for the external validation of previous studies, to establish benchmarks that allow comparisons between centers and have a positive impact on the quality of care.
“If I Can Afford Steak, Why Worry About Buying Beans”: African American Men’s Perceptions of Their Food Environment
Authors: Sherman Ledric D. , Griffith Derek M.
Published: May 2018

Due to the high level of food-related chronic diseases for African American men, the purpose of this qualitative study was to induce ( n = 83) urban American men’s perspective of their food environment considering different ethnic subgroups, built environment, and the temporal context using a phenomenological method and snowball sampling. Focus group interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and entered into ATLAS.ti to aid in establishing themes. African American men perceived that fast-food chains are their food choices and that they do not have any other healthy alternatives near their residential community. Their perspective of their current environment was primarily influenced by their formative years, the availability of current food environments, marketing and advertising of food on television, and the cost of eating healthy as compared to the cost of eating what is convenient to their residence. A central theme of the findings of this study is that the availability and accessibility of restaurants and food options are harmful to health over time. The finding suggests that future interventions should consider and incorporate how people develop and understand their current food practices and environment through the lens of time, not just their adult context.
Understanding Men’s Elevated Alcohol Use, Gender Equity Ideologies, and Intimate Partner Violence Among Married Couples in Rural India
Authors: Dasgupta Anindita , Silverman Jay , Saggurti Niranjan , Ghule Mohan , Donta Balaiah , Battala Madhusudana , Nair Saritha , Gajanan Velhal , Raj Anita
Published: May 2018

Qualitative evidence suggests that husbands’ inequitable gender equity (GE) ideologies may influence associations between husbands’ alcohol use and intimate partner violence (IPV) against wives. However, little quantitative research exists on the subject. To address this gap in the literature, associations of husbands’ elevated alcohol use and GE ideologies with wives’ reports of IPV victimization among a sample of married couples in Maharashtra, India, were examined. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using data from the baseline sample of the Counseling Husbands to Achieve Reproductive Health and Marital Equity (CHARM) study. Participants included couples aged 18 to 30 years ( N = 1081). Regression models assessed the relationship between husbands’ elevated alcohol use and GE ideologies (using the Gender-Equitable Men [GEM] Scale) and wives’ history of physical and/or sexual IPV victimization ever in marriage. Husbands and wives were 18 to 30 years of age, and married on average of 3.9 years ( SD ± 2.7). Few husbands (4.6%) reported elevated alcohol use. Husbands had mean GEM scores of 47.3 ( SD ± 5.4, range: 35–67 out of possible range of 24–72; least equitable to most equitable). Approximately one fifth (22.3%) of wives reported a history of physical and/or sexual IPV. Wives were less likely to report IPV if husbands reported greater GE ideologies (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.97, 95% CI [0.95, 0.99]), and husband’s elevated alcohol use was associated with increased risk of IPV in the final adjusted model (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI [1.01, 3.40]). Findings from this study indicate the need for male participation in violence intervention and prevention services and, specifically, the need to integrate counseling on alcohol use and GE into such programming.
HIV Prioritization and Risk Perception Among an Online Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States
Authors: Kahle Erin M. , Sharma Akshay , Sullivan Stephen P. , Stephenson Rob
Published: May 2018

Men who have sex with men (MSM) may prioritize interpersonal and structural factors, such as LGBTQ-related inequalities, housing instability, financial insecurity, and relationship seeking, over HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to assess how MSM prioritize HIV relative to other factors and the association between HIV prioritization, HIV testing and sexual risk behavior, and perceived risk. Data were collected from a national online survey of MSM in the United States assessing HIV knowledge and prioritization. Participants ranked HIV prevention relative to LGBTQ-related concerns and life issues (e.g., housing, job, relationship). Adjusted regression models were conducted to assess the association of HIV prioritization with HIV testing and condomless anal sex (CAS) and to evaluate associations between perceived risk and HIV risk behavior. Among 516 participants, HIV prevention was ranked significantly higher among MSM reporting recent CAS ( p = .04) and HIV testing within the past ( p = .02); HIV prevention was prioritized higher relative to life issues among MSM reporting last HIV test more than 1 year ago ( p = .02). Perceived HIV risk was significantly associated with higher HIV prioritization relative to LGBTQ concerns ( p = .001) and life issues ( p = .001). Higher HIV perceived risk was associated with lower odds of any CAS ( p < .001) and higher odds of having an HIV test in the past year ( p < .001). In this online study, HIV prioritization was identified as differentially associated with HIV testing, sexual risk behavior, and perceived HIV risk. HIV prevention programs should integrate strategies to address social and structural inequalities based on priority needs of MSM.
Intratumoral immune cells expressing PD-1/PD-L1 and their prognostic implications in cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Younghoon , Wen Xianyu , Cho Nam Yun , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: May 2018

Background:

The prognostic value of immune cells expressing programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer are controversial, and the potential differential impact of using tissue microarrays and whole tissue sections to assess the positivity of immune cells has not been addressed.

Methods:

The current study included 30 eligible studies with 7251 patients that evaluated the relationship between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expressing PD-1/PD-L1 and overall survival and disease-free survival, or progression-free survival. Subgroup analysis was based on the tissue type of cancer and the type of tissue sampling (tissue microarray or whole tissue section).

Results:

In the meta-analysis, PD-1-positive and PD-L1-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had a positive effect on disease-free survival or progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.732; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.565, 0.947; and HR 0.727; 95% CI 0.584, 0.905, respectively). PD-L1-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes had a positive impact on overall survival in studies using tissue microarray (HR 0.586; 95% CI 0.476, 0.721), but had a poor impact when only whole tissue sections were considered (HR 1.558; 95% CI 1.232, 1.969). Lung cancer was associated with good overall survival and disease-free survival (HR 0.639; 95% CI 0.491, 0.831; and HR 0.693; 95% CI 0.538, 0.891, respectively) for PD-1-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and colorectal cancer showed favorable disease-free survival (HR 0.471; 95% CI 0.308, 0.722) for PD-L1-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

Conclusion:

Immune cells expressing PD-1 and PD-L1 within tumors are associated with the prognosis. However, the correlation may vary among different tumor types and by the type of tissue sampling used for the assessment.
Improved kernelized correlation filter algorithm and application in the optoelectronic tracking system
Authors: Yue Fengfa , Li Xingfei
Published: May 2018

In order to improve the tracking accuracy and real-time performance of the optoelectronic tracking system, an improved kernelized correlation filter approach is developed to obtain precise tracking of a maneuvering object. The proposed strategy contains merits of adaptive threshold approach, kernelized correlation filter method, and Kalman filter algorithm. The adaptive threshold approach can choose the suitable threshold in accordance with the size of the target in the image to improve the tracking performance of the kernelized correlation filter method. When the change between previous position and current position is larger than the distance threshold, Kalman filter algorithm is used to predict the target position for tracking. The tracking accuracy of the proposed algorithm is improved by updating the prediction of the target position with a trusted algorithm. The experimental results on comparison with some state-of-the-art trackers, such as kernelized correlation filter; Tracking-Learning-Detection; scale adaptive with multiple features; minimum output sum of squared error; and dual correlation filter, demonstrate that the proposed approach has the effectiveness of tracking accuracy and real-time performance in tracking the maneuvering object.
Reversible second-order conditional sequences in incidental sequence learning tasks
Authors: Pasquali Antoine , Cleeremans Axel , Gaillard Vinciane
Published: May 2018

In sequence learning tasks, participants’ sensitivity to the sequential structure of a series of events often overshoots their ability to express relevant knowledge intentionally, as in generation tasks that require participants to produce either the next element of a sequence (inclusion) or a different element (exclusion). Comparing generation performance under inclusion and exclusion conditions makes it possible to assess the respective influences of conscious and unconscious learning. Recently, two main concerns have been expressed concerning such tasks. First, it is often difficult to design control sequences in such a way that they enable clear comparisons with the training material. Second, it is challenging to ask participants to perform appropriately under exclusion instructions, for the requirement to exclude familiar responses often leads them to adopt degenerate strategies (e.g., pushing on the same key all the time), which then need to be specifically singled out as invalid. To overcome both concerns, we introduce reversible second-order conditional (RSOC) sequences and show (a) that they elicit particularly strong transfer effects, (b) that dissociation of implicit and explicit influences becomes possible thanks to the removal of salient transitions in RSOCs, and (c) that exclusion instructions can be greatly simplified without losing sensitivity.
Erythromycin combined with corticosteroid reduced inflammation and modified trauma-induced tracheal stenosis in a rabbit model
Authors: Enyuan Qin , Mingpeng Xu , Luoman Gan , Jinghua Gan , Yu Li , Wentao Li , Changchun Hou , Lihua Li , Xiaoyan Meng , Lei Zhou , Guangnan Liu
Published: May 2018

Background:

Patients with endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy are subject to benign tracheal stenosis (TS), for which current therapies are unsatisfactory. We conducted a preliminary investigation of drugs and drug combinations for the prevention and treatment of TS in a rabbit model.

Methods:

Fifty-four rabbits were apportioned into nine groups according to treatment: sham-operated control; untreated TS model; amikacin; budesonide; erythromycin; penicillin; amikacin + budesonide; erythromycin + budesonide; and penicillin + budesonide. TS was induced by abrasion during surgery. The drugs were applied for 7 days before and 10 days after the surgery. Rabbits were killed on the eleventh day. Tracheal specimens were processed for determining alterations in the thicknesses of tracheal epithelium and lamina propria via hematoxylin and eosin. The tracheal mRNA (assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) expressions of the following fibrotic-related factors were determined: transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF- β1), collagen type I (COL1A1), collagen type III (COL3A1), and interleukin-17 (IL-17). The protein levels of TGF-β1, COL1A1, and COL3A1 were determined through immunohistochemistry and integrated optical densities.

Results:

Compared with all other groups, the untreated TS model had significantly thicker tracheal epithelium and lamina propria, and higher mRNA and protein levels of all targeted fibrotic factors. The mRNA and protein levels of the targeted fibrotic factors in all the drug-treated groups were lower than those of the untreated TS model, and differences were most significant in the erythromycin + budesonide group.

Conclusions:

Erythromycin combined with budesonide may reduce inflammation and modify fibrosis progression in TS after tracheal injury.
Phase IV study of retention on fingolimod versus injectable multiple sclerosis therapies: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cree Bruce A.C. , Arnold Douglas L. , Cascione Mark , Fox Edward J. , Williams Ian M. , Meng Xiangyi , Schofield Lesley , Tenenbaum Nadia
Published: May 2018

Objective:

In relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), suboptimal adherence to injectable disease-modifying therapies (iDMTs; interferon β-1a/b, glatiramer acetate) is common, reducing their effectiveness. Patient retention on oral fingolimod and iDMTs was evaluated in PREFER MS, a randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, open-label, 48-week study.

Methods:

Patients were included if they had RRMS, were aged 18–65 years and had Expanded Disability Status Scale score up to 6, enrolled at 117 US study sites, were treatment naïve or had received only one iDMT class. Patients were randomized 1:1 (fingolimod 0.5 mg/day; preselected iDMT) by interactive voice-and-web-response system without blinding, followed up quarterly, and allowed one study-approved treatment switch after 12 weeks, or earlier for efficacy or safety reasons. The primary outcome was patient retention on randomized treatment over 48 weeks. Secondary endpoints included patient-reported outcomes, brain volume loss (BVL), and cognitive function.

Results:

Analysis of 433/436 patients receiving fingolimod and 428/439 receiving iDMTs showed that patient retention rate was significantly higher with fingolimod than with iDMTs [352 (81.3%) versus 125 (29.2%); 95% confidence interval 46.4–57.8%; p < 0.0001]. The most common treatment switch was from iDMT to fingolimod for injection-related reasons. Patient satisfaction was greater and BVL less with fingolimod than with iDMTs, with no difference in cognitive function. Adverse events were consistent with established tolerability profiles for each treatment.

Conclusions:

In RRMS, fingolimod was associated with better treatment retention, patient satisfaction and BVL outcomes than iDMTs. Patients may persist with iDMTs, but many may switch treatment if permitted. Treatment satisfaction fosters adherence, a prerequisite for optimal outcomes.
Exploring neural networks in the analysis of variables that affect the employee turnover in the organization
Authors: Pérez-Campdesuñer Reyner , De-Miguel-Guzmán Margarita , Sánchez-Rodríguez Alexander , García-Vidal Gelmar , Martínez-Vivar Rodobaldo
Published: May 2018

The phenomenon of job satisfaction generates high costs for organizations, as it impacts on the processes of selection, training, and motivation of their human resources, while affecting the productivity and quality of organizations, even impacting on the loyalty of costumers. For this reason, forecasting or controlling the behavior of the staff turnover is of great importance for a company. However, predicting the behavior of turnover is an almost impossible intention due to the number of variables that condition this behavior. The objective of this research was to try to identify, through the use of neural network analysis, which internal variables of the organization, of an objective nature, of a demographic nature and associated with their human resources, showed a relationship or incidence on the employee turnover. For this purpose, the databases were analyzed with the turnover behavior of personnel in business organizations with different characteristics. The analysis through neural networks allowed to establish a significant relationship between variables such as average income, school level, and age; likewise, no significant differences were found in other variables such as the type of sector, years of experience in the sector, years of work in the position or years of work, the hierarchical position occupied in the organization, and the number of dependents.
Racial Prejudices, Racialized Workplaces, and Restaurant Servers’ Hyperbolic Perceptions of Black–White Tipping Differences
Authors: Brewster Zachary W. , Nowak Gerald Roman
Published: May 2018

On average, Black consumers have been reliably shown to tip restaurant servers less than their White counterparts, and this difference has been widely acknowledged to contribute to servers’ negative attitudes toward Black customers. However, studies centered on explicating the actual and perceived magnitude of Black–White tipping differences are scarce. Furthermore, there have been no studies conducted that have aimed to identify and test for individual and/or environmental factors that encourage the development and sustainment of exaggerated or stereotypic perceptions of interracial differences in customers’ tipping practices. In response, this study offers an unconditional meta-estimate of the Black–White tipping differential to this literature. Given the available published evidence, we estimate that as a percentage of the bill, the average Black customer is likely to leave a tip that is 3.30 percentage points less than would be left by a White customer. In addition, by analyzing data derived from a factorial survey experiment that was administered in two independent and demographically diverse samples of servers, this study demonstrates that servers’ perceptions of Black–White tipping differences are significantly shaped by racial antipathy and/or employment in a workplace characterized by anti-Black discourse and observed mistreatment of Black clientele. Taken as a whole, our results suggest that although a Black–White tipping difference does exist, there is a notable segment of the population of restaurant servers, namely, those who harbor prejudicial attitudes and/or work in racialized workplaces, who may cognitively exaggerate the magnitude of this difference. Thus, to curtail the industry challenges that stem from Black–White tipping differences (e.g., service discrimination, lawsuits), restaurant operators are encouraged to devise strategies to actively confront servers’ stereotypic perceptions of Black customers’ tipping behaviors.
Planning for the Future: Leadership Development and Succession Planning in Education
Authors: Fusarelli Bonnie C. , Fusarelli Lance D. , Riddick Fran
Published: May 2018

Superintendents leading school districts, particularly in hard-to-staff areas, face immense challenges in recruiting and retaining high-quality, well-trained teachers, principals, and district leaders. Many large urban areas as well as their rural counterparts have high concentrations of intergenerational poverty and unemployment. Rural areas are further disadvantaged by the lack of social and cultural attractions as well as fewer health care resources. In North Carolina, many of the lowest performing schools in the state are disproportionately clustered in rural areas. Superintendents leading districts in such areas face serious problems of high teacher and school leader turnover. As a result, superintendents are constantly engaged in an ongoing cycle of hiring new teachers, assistant principals, and district-level leaders. The graying of the school leadership profession further compounds the problem. For example, over the next 4 years in rural, high-poverty schools in North Carolina, an estimated 50% of principals will be eligible for retirement—making succession planning for quality school leadership a critical issue. In this article, we review the research and best practices on succession planning in education as well as in other sectors. Utilizing the theoretical framework of human capital theory, we illustrate how forward-thinking superintendents can partner with universities and other organizations to address the leadership challenges they face by creating strategic, long-term, leadership growth plans that build leadership capacity and potentially yield significant returns in improved student outcomes.
Numerical analysis of collision between a tractor-trailer and bridge pier
Authors: Chen Luwei , Wu Hao , Fang Qin , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2018

Accidents involving collisions of heavy-duty trucks with highway bridge piers occurred occasionally, in which the bridge piers might be subjected to severe damage, and cause the collapse of the superstructure due to the loss of axial loading capacity. The existing researches are mostly concentrated on the light- or medium-duty trucks. This article mainly concerns about the collisions between the heavy-duty trucks (e.g. tractor-trailer) and bridge piers as well as the evaluation of the impact force. First, by modifying the finite element model of Ford F800 single-unit truck, which was developed by National Crash Analysis Center, the finite element model of a tractor-trailer is established. Then, the full-scale tractor-trailer crash test on concrete-filled steel pier jointly conducted by Texas Transportation Institute, Federal Highway Administration, and Texas Department of Transportation is numerically simulated. The impact process is well reproduced and the established model is validated by comparison of the impact force. It indicates that the tractor-trailer impact force time history consists of two or three peaks and the corresponding causes are revealed. Furthermore, the parametric influences on the impact force are discussed, including the diameter and cross section shape of the pier, cargo weight, impact velocity, relative impact position, and vehicle type. Finally, the finite element model of an actual reinforced concrete highway bridge pier is established, and the impact force and lateral displacement of the pier subjected to the impact of the tractor-trailer are numerically derived and discussed.
5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone elevations associated with phentermine use
Authors: Pearson Scott M. , Trujillo Jennifer M. , McDermott Michael T.
Published: May 2018

Background:

A case of 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) elevation associated with phentermine initiation is reported, and possible mechanisms are discussed. There are no published reports of this association in the literature.

Methods:

Clinical and laboratory information is described.

Results:

A 72-year-old male with metastatic prostate cancer taking dutasteride to lower his DHT levels initiated phentermine 15 mg daily for weight loss. His DHT level drawn within 1 week prior to starting phentermine was 9.9 pg/ml. When reporting for follow up 2 weeks later, his DHT level had increased to 114 pg/ml. The DHT level was checked again 2 weeks after that visit, and had increased to 174 pg/ml. At that time, phentermine was discontinued, and 1 week later, the DHT level had decreased to 20.1 pg/ml. Over the next 4 months, the patient’s DHT levels were maintained at less than 20 pg/ml. Phentermine 15 mg daily was then reinitiated while his DHT level was 7.5 pg/ml. Two weeks after resuming phentermine, his DHT level had again increased to 196 pg/ml. The patient’s phentermine was then discontinued, and around 1 week later, his DHT level had fallen to 5.1 pg/ml.

Conclusion:

A 72-year-old male with metastatic prostate cancer experienced profound increases in DHT upon initiation of phentermine despite continuation of his baseline dutasteride therapy. The etiology of these increases is still unclear.
Efficacy and satisfaction with transcutaneous electrostimulation of the posterior tibial nerve in overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Moratalla Charcos Luz María , Planelles Gómez Jorge , García Mora Belén , Santamaría Navarro Cristina , Vidal Moreno Juan Francisco
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Overactive bladder is a disease with a high prevalence. The management is difficult, because different demographic, social or economic aspects converge. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and satisfaction in patients with overactive bladder treated with transcutaneous electrostimulation of the posterior tibial nerve.

Methods:

This was a prospective and descriptive study of 45 patients with overactive bladder (with or without detrusor overactivity) resistant to pharmacological treatment. Patients received a weekly session for 12 weeks, with a duration of 30 minutes for each of the sessions. There was a screening after 12 sessions, after which if there had been no response, treatment was suspended and maintenance sessions were not continued (six twice-monthly sessions and three monthly sessions). It was considered that the treatment had been effective when it was possible to decrease the number of events, except the maximum voiding volume, the objective of which was to increase. The results were evaluated using a 3-day voiding diary, an overactive bladder short form questionnaire and a satisfaction level questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 19.0. Independent variables with a normal distribution were examined using the t-test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the averages of the quantitative variables without a normal distribution. Satisfaction was analysed by a binary and ordinal regression analysis, univariate and multivariate. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

All the parameters of the study improved to a statistically relevant degree: frequency, nocturia, urgency, maximum voided volume, urge urinary incontinence. The overactive bladder short form questionnaire score improved but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The use of transcutaneous electrostimulation of the posterior tibial nerve is a safe, effective and minimally invasive alternative in the treatment of overactive bladder when pharmacological treatment has failed. Patients had a good objective and subjective response in our study.

Level of evidence:

4.
Surgical Technical Evidence Review of Hip Fracture Surgery Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery
Authors: Siletz Anaar , Childers Christopher P. , Faltermeier Claire , Singer Emily S. , Hu Q. Lina , Ko Clifford Y. , Kates Stephen L. , Maggard-Gibbons Melinda , Wick Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Background:

Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have been shown to improve patient outcomes in a variety of contexts. This review summarizes the evidence and defines a protocol for perioperative care of patients with hip fracture and was conducted for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality safety program for improving surgical care and recovery.

Study Design:

Perioperative care was divided into components or “bins.” For each bin, a semisystematic review of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE with priority given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Observational studies were included when higher levels of evidence were not available. Existing guidelines for perioperative care were also incorporated. For convenience, the components of care that are under the auspices of anesthesia providers will be reported separately. Recommendations for an evidence-based protocol were synthesized based on review of this evidence.

Results:

Eleven bins were identified. Preoperative risk factor bins included nutrition, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, and anemia. Perioperative management bins included thromboprophylaxis, timing of surgery, fluid management, drain placement, early mobilization, early alimentation, and discharge criteria/planning.

Conclusions:

This review provides the evidence basis for an ERP for perioperative care of patients with hip fracture.
The Pyramid Fallacy: Self-Organizing Decentralized Open Systems for Sustainable Collective Action
Authors: Lotan Marcus Karni
Published: May 2018

The ubiquity of hierarchical structure has resulted in scholars rarely focusing on its possible influence when investigating the motives and processes underlying collective action. In terms of efficiency, it is generally suggested that hierarchy is an easily accessible way of thinking, low effort, and perhaps unavoidable. The article builds on scholarship pertaining to three unique models that challenge the prevailing hierarchical structure: hunter-gatherer societies, open source projects, and transition-town initiatives. By linking the individual, collective, and organizational levels, the article suggests that in the social arena, a shift away from the prevailing hierarchical structure would result in sustainable collective action and greater potential for a cooperative society. The article offers a theoretical framework for self-organizing decentralized open systems (SODOS), prescribing the necessary conditions that effect a significant shift in human motivation stemming from the interpersonal dynamic. Avenues for implementation of the suggested framework are discussed.