bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Afterword: Reading counter-narratives to gendered inequality in education transnationally
Authors: McCarthy Cameron , Tomlin Hannah
Published: June 2017

Across the globe, women are struggling to overcome social and cultural confines, while creating new opportunities for their gender, by becoming leaders in research and career fields from which they have been historically excluded. This afterword responds to and builds upon contributors’ trenchant articles that highlight social, economic, and technological changes that women are making across cultures. Many women are still battling to gain basic human rights. Accordingly, researchers featured in this special issue bring attention to the inequalities that still exist for women worldwide while raising questions about how new shifts toward extreme conservatism and nationalism may impact women’s rights in the near future. As puzzled over by post-development scholars such as Ong, Hoogvelt and Sassen, in this era of neoliberalism it is now often difficult to decipher programs and organizations that are truly working toward positive changes for women in the developing world from those that are focused on their own self-interests. Throughout history, governmental and social structures have been designed to favor men, but women are now finding ways to make their voices heard through innovatively taking advantage of new communication technologies in both the developing and developed world. We join with contributors in highlighting women’s tremendous investment in change, discussing issues of gender and technology, as well as the work being done by women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. The contributors maintain that in order to create more opportunities for women, progressive researchers, policy-makers and activists must continue to collaborate connecting substantively to the struggles of women for a better life while working toward interdisciplinary solutions that address the ongoing inequalities that constrain their present and future circumstances.
Changes in lower limb muscle function and muscle mass following exercise-based interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A review of the English-language literature
Authors: De Brandt Jana , Spruit Martijn A , Hansen Dominique , Franssen Frits ME , Derave Wim , Sillen Maurice JH , Burtin Chris
Published: June 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often experience lower limb muscle dysfunction and wasting. Exercise-based training has potential to improve muscle function and mass, but literature on this topic is extensive and heterogeneous including numerous interventions and outcome measures. This review uses a detailed systematic approach to investigate the effect of this wide range of exercise-based interventions on muscle function and mass. PUBMED and PEDro databases were searched. In all, 70 studies ( n = 2504 COPD patients) that implemented an exercise-based intervention and reported muscle strength, endurance, or mass in clinically stable COPD patients were critically appraised. Aerobic and/or resistance training, high-intensity interval training, electrical or magnetic muscle stimulation, whole-body vibration, and water-based training were investigated. Muscle strength increased in 78%, muscle endurance in 92%, and muscle mass in 88% of the cases where that specific outcome was measured. Despite large heterogeneity in exercise-based interventions and outcome measures used, most exercise-based trials showed improvements in muscle strength, endurance, and mass in COPD patients. Which intervention(s) is (are) best for which subgroup of patients remains currently unknown. Furthermore, this literature review identifies gaps in the current knowledge and generates recommendations for future research to enhance our knowledge on exercise-based interventions in COPD patients.
What Affects People’s Willingness to Participate in Qualitative Research? An Experimental Comparison of Five Incentives
Authors: Kelly Bridget , Margolis Marjorie , McCormack Lauren , LeBaron Patricia A. , Chowdhury Dhuly
Published: June 2017

The literature on factors that influence participation in qualitative research is lacking. We conducted an experiment with a nationally representative sample to test the impact of different incentive types and amounts on willingness to participate in a hypothetical qualitative interview. We randomized participants from an online panel to one of the five versions of a recruitment ad: no incentive, a nonmonetary incentive, US$25, US$50, or US$75 ( N = 4,136). All three monetary incentives resulted in greater willingness to participate than no incentive or a nonmonetary incentive. No differences emerged between no incentive and a nonmonetary incentive (drawing for noncash prize). Among those who had at least some willingness, US$75 produced more willingness than US$25. The US$50 and US$75 amounts did not differ. Results suggest incentives matter in achieving participation in qualitative research, but there may be diminishing returns. Nonmonetary incentives may not result in higher participation than no incentive at all.
Definition of Type II Endoleak Risk Based on Preoperative Anatomical Characteristics
Authors: Piazza Michele , Squizzato Francesco , Miccoli Tommaso , Lepidi Sandro , Menegolo Mirko , Grego Franco , Antonello Michele
Published: June 2017

Purpose: To define the risk for type II endoleak (EII) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) based on preoperative anatomical characteristics. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2015, 189 patients (mean age 78.4±7.6 years; 165 men) underwent standard EVAR. Mean aneurysm diameter was 5.7±0.7 cm and mean volume 125.2±45.8 cm3. Patients were assigned to the “at-risk” group (n=123, 65%) when at least one of the following criteria was present: patency of a >3-mm inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), patency of at least 3 pairs of lumbar arteries, or patency of 2 pairs of lumbar arteries and a sacral artery or accessory renal artery or any diameter patent IMA; otherwise, patients were entered in the “low-risk” group (n=66, 35%). EII rates and freedom from EII reintervention were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. Preoperative clinical and anatomical characteristics were evaluated for their association with EII and EII reinterventions using multiple logistic regression analysis; results are presented as the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Freedom from endoleak was lower in the at-risk group compared with the low-risk group at 36 months after EVAR (p=0.04). Freedom from EII-related reinterventions was significantly lower in the at-risk group (80% vs 100%, p=0.001) at 48 months. Based on the multiple regression analysis, the at-risk group had a higher likelihood of both EII (OR 9.91, 95% CI 2.92 to 33.72, p<0.001) and EII-related reinterventions (OR 9.11, 95% CI 1.06 to 78.44, p=0.04). These criteria had 89.4% (95% CI 83.9% to 93.2%) sensitivity and 48.0% (95% CI 40.7% to 55.3%) specificity for EII; sensitivity and specificity for EII reintervention were 100% (95% CI 93.8% to 100%) and 38.8% (95% CI 31.9% to 46.2%). Within the at-risk group, a sac thrombus volume <35% was an additional predictor for both EII (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.75 to 15.47, p=0.003) and EII-related reinterventions (OR 8.33, 95% CI 2.20 to 31.51, p<0.002). Conclusion: The selection criteria effectively discriminated between low-risk patients and patients at risk for EII and associated reinterventions. A thrombus volume <35% was an additional predictor for EII and EII-related reintervention among patients at risk. These criteria may be useful for preemptively selecting patients who may benefit from EII prevention procedures or a more aggressive surveillance protocol.
Research–Practice Gap in Applied Fields: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Tkachenko Oleksandr , Hahn Huh-Jung , Peterson Shari L.
Published: June 2017

Given the growth of the literature addressing the issue of the research–practice gap in human resource development (HRD) and related applied fields, the study provides an integrative review of the literature in the management, applied psychology, and HRD fields. We synthesize the targeted literature across the three fields into seven major themes. Informed by the review, we suggest a comprehensive model of key components of knowledge production in applied fields affecting the interplay between research and practice. We close with discussing the potential actions for HRD scholars and practitioners to facilitate the convergence between research and practice.
Featured Article: Electroporation-mediated gene delivery of surfactant protein B (SP-B) restores expression and improves survival in mouse model of SP-B deficiency
Authors: Barnett Rebecca C , Lin Xin , Barravecchia Michael , Norman Rosemary A , de Mesy Bentley Karen L , Fazal Fabeha , Young Jennifer L , Dean David A
Published: June 2017

Surfactant Protein B Deficiency is a rare but lethal monogenetic, congenital lung disease of the neonate that is unresponsive to any treatment except lung transplantation. Based on the potential that gene therapy offers to treat such intractable diseases, our objective was to test whether an electroporation-based gene delivery approach could restore surfactant protein B expression and improve survival in a compound knockout mouse model of surfactant protein B deficiency. Surfactant protein B expression can be shut off in these mice upon withdrawl of doxycycline, resulting in decreased levels of surfactant protein B within four days and death due to lung dysfunction within four to seven days. Control or one of several different human surfactant protein B-expressing plasmids was delivered to the lung by aspiration and electroporation at the time of doxycycline removal or four days later. Plasmids expressing human surfactant protein B from either the UbC or CMV promoter expressed surfactant protein B in these transgenic mice at times when endogenous surfactant protein B expression was silenced. Mean survival was increased 2- to 5-fold following treatment with the UbC or CMV promoter-driven plasmids, respectively. Histology of all surfactant protein B treated groups exhibited fewer neutrophils and less alveolar wall thickening compared to the control groups, and electron microscopy revealed that gene transfer of surfactant protein B resulted in lamellar bodies that were similar in the presence of electron-dense, concentric material to those in surfactant protein B-expressing mice. Taken together, our results show that electroporation-mediated gene delivery of surfactant protein B-expressing plasmids improves survival, lung function, and lung histology in a mouse model of surfactant protein B deficiency and suggest that this may be a useful approach for the treatment of this otherwise deadly disease.

Impact statement

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) deficiency is a rare but lethal genetic disease of neonates that results in severe respiratory distress with no available treatments other than lung transplantation. The present study describes a novel treatment for this disease by transferring the SP-B gene to the lungs using electric fields in a mouse model. The procedure is safe and results in enough expression of exogenous SP-B to improve lung histology, lamellar body structure, and survival. If extended to humans, this approach could be used to bridge the time between diagnosis and lung transplantation and could greatly increase the likelihood of affected neonates surviving to transplantation and beyond.
Comparison of dynamic sorption and hygroexpansion of wood by different cyclic hygrothermal changing effects II
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Wang Jiamin , Sheng Nan , Ma Erni
Published: June 2017

Dynamic wood sorption and hygroexpansion by different cyclic hygrothermal changing effects were investigated. Poplar ( populus euramericana Cv.) specimens, 20 mm in radial (R) and tangential (T) directions with two thicknesses of 4 and 10 mm along the grain, were subjected to three rounds under control of these two factors. In the first round, relative humidity changed sinusoidally between 75% and 45% with temperature constant at 20°C. In the second round, temperature changed sinusoidally between 5°C and 35°C with relative humidity constant at 60%. In the third round, relative humidity changed sinusoidally between 75% and 45%, simultaneously temperature changed between 5°C and 35°C. In each round, three sinusoidal change cyclic periods were operated: 1, 6, and 24 h. The measurement of moisture and dimensional responses showed the following results: (1) moisture and dimensional changes were both presented generally in sinusoidal mode. Their amplitudes were lower for thicker specimens exposed to shorter cyclic period. (2) Comparing with the effect brought by changing a single parameter, that is, changing relative humidity or temperature alone, changing relative humidity and temperature together brought greater impact on the specimens. Under a typical air-dry condition at 20°C and 60% relative humidity, this comparison was more obvious, especially for dimensional changes. (3) When the amplitudes resulted in changing relative humidity and changing temperature were superposed, its value was higher than which brought by changing relative humidity and temperature together with the maximum ratio of 1.48. (4) Moisture-content change (ΔMC) and variation of T-dimensional change (ΔT) were all linearly correlated with treating time. Less time was needed to reach a given ΔMC or ΔT, namely, larger ΔMC or ΔT could be attained within the same time by changing relative humidity and temperature together, where the greatest average rate of wood sorption and hygroexpansion could be observed. All these results indicated that in practice, sinusoidally controlling the changes in relative humidity and temperature together was most efficient to adjust the moisture content and deformation in wood processing and application.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on neuropathic pain via mitophagy in microglia
Authors: Han Guang , Liu Kun , Li Lu , Li Xingyue , Zhao Ping
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been suggested to palliate neuropathic pain, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. This study explored the involvement of microglial mitophagy via HBO relative to neuropathic pain therapy.

Materials and methods

A total of 80 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: a normal group ( n = 40) and a mitophagy inhibitor group ( n = 40) in which the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA) was administrated prior to chronic constriction injury (CCI). Groups ( n = 10 rats per group) consisted of the following: control (C), sham operation (S), sciatic nerve with chronic constriction injury (CCI), and a CCI plus HBO treatment (CCI + HBO). Pain-related behaviors were evaluated using mechanical withdraw tendency and thermal withdraw latency analysis. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured, and Western blot was employed to assess expression of NIX and BNIP3. Immunofluorescence changes in neuron protein (NESTIN) and mitochondria inner or outer layer proteins (TIM23, TOM20) were examined.

Results

HBO significantly ameliorated pain-related behaviors, which were downregulated by mitophagy inhibitors ( P < 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential indexes were decreased after HBO therapy, but were reversed in the mitophagy inhibitor group ( P < 0.05). HBO upregulated NIX and BNIP3 expression, which did not occur in the CCI group ( P < 0.05). However, expression was reduced when mitophagy inhibitors were administered. Immunofluorescence examination showed that mitophagy in microglia was induced by CCI, which was upregulated after HBO treatment. This phenomenon was not observed in the mitophagy inhibitor group.

Conclusions

HBO therapy palliated CCI-induced neuropathic pain in rats by upregulating microglial mitophagy. These results could serve as guidelines to improve neuropathic pain therapy using HBO to maximize therapeutic efficiency.
Ion channels and neuronal hyperexcitability in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Aromolaran Kelly A , Goldstein Peter A
Published: June 2017

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and is a major global health burden. Significant improvements in survival have been achieved, due in part to advances in adjuvant antineoplastic chemotherapy. The most commonly used antineoplastics belong to the taxane, platinum, and vinca alkaloid families. While beneficial, these agents are frequently accompanied by severe side effects, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CPIN). While CPIN affects both motor and sensory systems, the majority of symptoms are sensory, with pain, tingling, and numbness being the predominant complaints. CPIN not only decreases the quality of life of cancer survivors but also can lead to discontinuation of treatment, thereby adversely affecting survival. Consequently, minimizing the incidence or severity of CPIN is highly desirable, but strategies to prevent and/or treat CIPN have proven elusive. One difficulty in achieving this goal arises from the fact that the molecular and cellular mechanisms that produce CPIN are not fully known; however, one common mechanism appears to be changes in ion channel expression in primary afferent sensory neurons. The processes that underlie chemotherapy-induced changes in ion channel expression and function are poorly understood. Not all antineoplastic agents directly affect ion channel function, suggesting additional pathways may contribute to the development of CPIN Indeed, there are indications that these drugs may mediate their effects through cellular signaling pathways including second messengers and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we focus on ion channelopathies as causal mechanisms for CPIN and review the data from both pre-clinical animal models and from human studies with the aim of facilitating the development of appropriate strategies to prevent and/or treat CPIN.
Taurine supplementation has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects before and after incremental exercise in heart failure
Authors: Ahmadian Mehdi , Roshan Valiollah Dabidi , Aslani Elaheh , Stannard Stephen R
Published: June 2017

Background:

The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of supplemental taurine prior to and following incremental exercise in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods:

Patients with HF and left ventricle ejection fraction less than 50%, and placed in functional class II or III according to the New York Heart Association classification, were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) taurine supplementation; or (2) placebo. The taurine group received oral taurine (500 mg) 3 times a day for 2 weeks, and performed exercise before and after the supplementation period. The placebo group followed the same protocol, but with a starch supplement (500 mg) rather than taurine. The incremental multilevel treadmill test was done using a modified Bruce protocol.

Results:

Our results indicate that inflammatory indices [C-reactive protein (CRP), platelets] decreased in the taurine group in pre-exercise, post-supplementation and post-exercise, post-supplementation as compared with pre-exercise, pre-supplementation ( p < 0.05) whereas these indices increased in pre-exercise, post-supplementation and post-exercise, post-supplementation as compared with pre-exercise, pre-supplementation in the placebo group ( p < 0.05). Our results also show that atherogenic indices [Castelli’s Risk Index-I (CRI-I), Castelli’s Risk Index-II (CRI-II) and Atherogenic Coefﬁcient (AC)] decreased in the taurine group in pre-exercise, post-supplementation and post-exercise, post-supplementation as compared with pre-exercise, pre-supplementation ( p < 0.05). No such changes were noted in the placebo group ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

our results suggest that 2 weeks of oral taurine supplementation increases the taurine levels and has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects prior to and following incremental exercise in HF patients.
Numerical analysis of flame instabilities in narrow channels: Laminar premixed methane/air combustion
Authors: Ayoobi Mohsen , Schoegl Ingmar
Published: June 2017

Premixed flames propagating within small channels show complex combustion phenomena that differ from flame propagation at conventional scales. Available experimental and numerical studies have documented stationary, non-stationary, or asymmetric modes that depend on properties of the incoming reactant flow as well as channel geometry and wall temperatures. This work seeks to illuminate mechanisms leading to symmetry breaking and limit cycle behavior that are fundamental to these combustion modes. Specifically, four cases of lean premixed methane/air combustion—two equivalence ratios (0.53 and 0.7) and two channel widths (2 mm and 5 mm)—are investigated in a 2D configuration with constant channel length and bulk inlet velocity, where numerical simulations are performed using detailed chemistry. External wall heating is simulated by imposing a linear temperature gradient as a boundary condition on both walls. In the 2 mm channel, both equivalence ratios produce flames that stabilize with symmetric flame fronts after propagating upstream. In the 5 mm channel, flame fronts start symmetrically, although symmetry is broken almost immediately after ignition. Further, 5 mm channels produce non-stationary combustion modes with dramatically different limit cycles: in the leaner case ( φ = 0.53), the asymmetric flame front flops periodically, whereas in the richer case ( φ = 0.7), flames with repetitive extinctions and ignitions (FREI) are observed. To further understand the flame dynamics, reaction fronts and flame fronts are captured and differentiated. Results show that the loss of flame front symmetry originates in a region close to the flame cusp, where flow and chemical characteristics exhibit large gradients and curvatures. Limit cycle behavior is illuminated by investigating flame edges that are formed along the wall, and accompany local or global ignition and extinction processes. In the flopping mode ( φ = 0.53), local ignition and extinction in regions adjacent to the wall result in oblique fronts that advance and recede along the wall and redirect the flow ahead of the flame. In the FREI mode, asymmetric flames propagate much farther upstream, where they experience global extinction due to heat losses, and re-ignite far downstream with opposite flame front orientation. In both cases, an interaction of flow and chemical effects drives the asymmetric limit cycles. The lack of instabilities and asymmetries for the 2mm cases is attributed to insufficient wall separation, which is of the same order of magnitude as the flame thickness.
Vision-aided localization and navigation based on trifocal tensor geometry
Authors: Fang Qiang , Zhang DaiBing , Hu TianJiang
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a new method for vision-aided navigation based on trifocal tensor geometry is presented. The main goal of the proposed method is to estimate the position of vehicles in global positioning system-denied environments, using a standard inertial navigation system and only a single camera. The geometric trifocal tensor relationship between three images is used as measurement information from the camera, and the primary contribution of this work is the derivation of a measurement model that is able to express the geometric constraints of the trifocal tensor in the global frame. This measurement model does not require including the three-dimensional feature positions in the state vector. In other words, the proposed method does not entail reconstructing the environment. Rather, the method only considers the vehicle state. The vision-aided inertial navigation algorithm that we propose has computational complexity only with regard to the number of features at the current time, and the algorithm is capable of estimating the pose in real environments. Experiments were conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed method in simulations and real environments.
Understanding the effects of seawall construction using a combination of analytical modelling and remote sensing techniques: Case study of Fansa, Gujarat, India
Authors: Balaji R. , Sathish Kumar S , Misra Ankita
Published: June 2017

The effect of seawall on the adjacent beaches and coastal dynamics has not been well documented in literature. The purpose and function of coastal structures, especially seawalls, have often been misunderstood, as in some cases, seawalls lead to coastal erosion, contrary to protecting the shoreline for which they are generally constructed. Seawalls have been reportedly causing changes in the near-shore process, specifically the sediment dynamics by affecting the onshore/offshore and, to some extent, the longshore sand transport. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand the effect of seawalls on the adjoining beach to make sure more informed decisions are made on their installation. This article discusses the effects of seawall construction along the coast of Fansa, South Gujarat, India. A numerical model has been used to estimate the wave parameters along the selected coast, the results of which are subsequently utilized in an analytical model (parabolic shape model) to predict the end-wall effect. Independently, remote sensing datasets of CARTOSAT 1 with spatial resolution of 2.5 m are used to understand the shoreline change dynamics in this region, post-construction of this seawall. It is found empirically that the net longshore sediment transport rate is approximately 1.9 Mm3 per year along the coast. The results of the analytical model predict a maximum landward erosion of about 20 m and an alongshore erosion of 200 m on the down-drift side of the seawall. These estimations agree with those obtained by the remote sensing–based analysis, which estimates an erosion of approximately 40 m by the year 2014.
Twigs in the Leaf Litter as Ant Habitats in Different Vegetation Habitats in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: de Souza-Campana Débora Rodrigues , Silva Rogério R. , Fernandes Tae Tanaami , Silva Otávio Guilherme de Morais , Saad Luiza Paine , Morini Maria Santina de Castro
Published: June 2017

Vegetation structure and microhabitat availability and diversity affect ant assemblage diversity, growth, and dispersal. In this study, we described assemblages of ants nesting in twigs found in the leaf litter, comparing nest characteristics and ant colony sizes among different vegetation habitats at a regional scale. Twigs were collected in urban parks, Eucalyptus plantations, and preserved areas of native Atlantic Forest. We measured the twigs, counted the number of ant colonies, and estimated canopy openness. A total of 51,213 ants from 22 genera and 61 species were recorded. We collected 74, 141, and 283 nests in urban parks, Eucalyptus plantations, and native forest areas, respectively. The richest genera were Pheidole, Camponotus, and Solenopsis. Linepithema neotropicum, Gnamptogenys striatula, and Solenopsis sp.2 were recorded in all study areas. We found only one invasive species, Cardiocondyla wroughtonii. Typically, the canopy in urban park areas was more open, and these areas had lower species richness, lower rate of twig occupancy, and smaller diameter twigs occupied by smaller colonies compared to Eucalyptus plantations or native forest. Ant assemblages were determined mainly by vegetation habitat, followed by twig characteristics. As many ant species use twigs as nest site, twigs are critical habitats for maintaining ant diversity in the leaf litter of areas with varying degrees of complexity in the vegetation structure. However, the availability of twigs as nest resource depended on vegetation structure. In addition, twigs may increase the area occupied by the colonies of some ant species, including Wasmannia auropunctata, which was very frequent in urban parks.
Atrial Fibrillation Predictors on Mobile Cardiac Telemetry in Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kass-Hout Omar , Kass-Hout Tareq , Parikh Ankit , Hoskins Michael , Clements Stephen D. , Rangaraju Srikant , Noorian Ali Reza , Ayala Lauren , Blanke Debra , Bamford Laura , Anderson Aaron , Belagaje Samir , Yepes Manuel , Frankel Michael , Nahab Fadi
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose:

The objective of our study was to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiographic characteristics that would identify patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke (IS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) who subsequently developed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) on mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT).

Methods:

All patients with cryptogenic IS or TIA seen at the Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2013, who underwent MCOT were included in this analysis. Location (cortical, high subcortical, or neither) of current and prior strokes on MRI and left atrial (LA) functional and anatomical echocardiographic parameters were evaluated to determine their association with subsequent detection of PAF.

Results:

Of 132 patients, 17 (13%) had evidence of newly diagnosed PAF on MCOT (mean duration of monitoring = 25 days). The presence (vs absence) of ≥1 cortical infarct on baseline MRI was a significant predictor of identifying PAF (odds ratio: 5.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-19; P = .01). On baseline echocardiography, patients who had PAF (vs non-PAF) had significantly higher mean LA diameters (4.2 vs 3.7 cm, P = .03) and lower tissue Doppler velocity (a’; 5.5 vs 13.5 cm/s, P = .03). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, the ratio of LA volume index to the septal Doppler velocity (LAVI/a’) of >4.6 was associated with a higher likelihood of PAF. Combining MRI with echocardiographic variables did not improve the predictive ability beyond echocardiography alone.

Conclusion:

Although the presence of cortical-based infarcts on MRI in patients with cryptogenic IS or TIA increases the likelihood of detecting PAF on MCOT, LA functional and anatomic parameters alone best predicted which patients subsequently had PAF.
Understanding Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Knee Cartilage Repair: A Focus on Clinical Relevance
Authors: Hayashi Daichi , Li Xinning , Murakami Akira M. , Roemer Frank W. , Trattnig Siegfried , Guermazi Ali
Published: June 2017

The aims of this review article are (a) to describe the principles of morphologic and compositional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques relevant for the imaging of knee cartilage repair surgery and their application to longitudinal studies and (b) to illustrate the clinical relevance of pre- and postsurgical MRI with correlation to intraoperative images. First, MRI sequences that can be applied for imaging of cartilage repair tissue in the knee are described, focusing on comparison of 2D and 3D fast spin echo and gradient recalled echo sequences. Imaging features of cartilage repair tissue are then discussed, including conventional (morphologic) MRI and compositional MRI techniques. More specifically, imaging techniques for specific cartilage repair surgery techniques as described above, as well as MRI-based semiquantitative scoring systems for the knee cartilage repair tissue—MR Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue and Cartilage Repair OA Knee Score—are explained. Then, currently available surgical techniques are reviewed, including marrow stimulation, osteochondral autograft, osteochondral allograft, particulate cartilage allograft, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and others. Finally, ongoing research efforts and future direction of cartilage repair tissue imaging are discussed.
Pituitary apoplexy presenting as a peripheral rim enhancing parasellar mass lesion with dural enhancement along the tentorium
Authors: Sivaraju Laxminadh , Hegde Vinay S , Kiran Narayanam AS , Ghosal Nandita , Hegde Alangar S
Published: June 2017

Pituitary apoplexy is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition caused by rapid enlargement of a pituitary adenoma because of haemorrhage or infarction. The clinical features are typically acute in onset. We report an interesting case of 25-year-old man with complaints of sudden onset of headache and ophthalmoplegia in the right eye one month previously. He had ptosis and complete ophthalmoplegia in the right eye with visual acuity 6/24 and 6/12. Imaging showed a peripheral rim-enhancing mass lesion in the right parasellar and cavernous sinus with a dural tail. He underwent craniotomy and subtotal excision of the lesion. Histopathology was reported as pituitary apoplexy. Hormonal analysis was within normal limits. At two years of follow-up he had complete resolution of ophthalmoplegia and improvement in his vision. It is very uncommon to see pituitary apoplexy evolved in right parasellar region presenting as peripheral rim-enhancing mass lesion.
Reasons for emergency department visits among advanced cancer patients in their last week of life
Authors: Yang Grace Meijuan , Ng Eeyang , Lian Sherman , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: June 2017

For advanced cancer patients, an emergency department (ED) visit in the last week of life may result in aggressive care that is inappropriate and futile. The objective of this study is to explore the characteristics of advanced cancer patients who present to ED in the last week of life. Specifically, we describe the spectrum of presenting symptoms. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of ED attendances in the Singapore General Hospital during a one-year period. The electronic medical record system was used to retrieve demographic data, characteristics of the ED visits and presenting complaints. A total of 145 patients with advanced cancer dying in hospital within seven days of an ED visit were included. Breathlessness was the most common reason for presenting to ED (85 patients, 58.62%), followed by pain (50 patients, 34.48%), generalised weakness or lethargy (39 patients, 26.90%) and decreased appetite or anorexia (35 patients, 24.14%). Strategies to improve end-of-life care can focus on pre-emptive management of breathlessness and pain. Community programmes can also help prepare families for symptoms like generalised weakness and appetite loss which may signal a progression of the disease. Supportive and palliative care interventions will need to be implemented in the ED setting to better manage the symptoms suffered by these advanced cancer patients.
Pitch Perception in Tone Language-Speaking Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Cheng Stella T. T. , Lam Gary Y. H. , To Carol K. S.
Published: June 2017

Enhanced low-level pitch perception has been universally reported in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study examined whether tone language speakers with ASD exhibit this advantage. The pitch perception skill of 20 Cantonese-speaking adults with ASD was compared with that of 20 neurotypical individuals. Participants discriminated pairs of real syllable, pseudo-syllable (syllables that do not conform the phonotactic rules or are accidental gaps), and non-speech (syllables with attenuated high-frequency segmental content) stimuli contrasting pitch levels. The results revealed significantly higher discrimination ability in both groups for the non-speech stimuli than for the pseudo-syllables with one semitone difference. No significant group differences were noted. Different from previous findings, post hoc analysis found that enhanced pitch perception was observed in a subgroup of participants with ASD showing no history of delayed speech onset. The tone language experience may have modulated the pitch processing mechanism in the speakers in both ASD and non-ASD groups.
General practice views of managing childhood obesity in primary care: a qualitative analysis
Authors: O’Donnell Jennifer E , Foskett-Tharby Rachel , Gill Paramjit S
Published: June 2017

Objective

To explore general practice staff views of managing childhood obesity in primary care.

Design

A qualitative study to elicit the views of clinical and non-clinical general practice staff on managing childhood obesity.

Setting

Interviews were conducted at 30 general practices across England. These practices were interviewed as part of the Quality and Outcomes Framework Pilot Study.

Participants

A total of 52 staff from 30 practices took part in a semi-structured interview.

Main outcome measures

Key themes were identified through thematic analysis of transcripts using an inductive approach.

Results

Three themes were identified: lack of contact with well children, sensitivity of the issue, and the potential impact of general practice. Identifying overweight children was challenging because well children rarely attended the practice. Interviewees felt ill equipped to solve the issue because they lacked influence over the environmental, economic and lifestyle factors underpinning obesity. They described little evidence to support general practice intervention and seemed unaware of other services. Raising the issue was described as sensitive.

Conclusion

General practice staff were unconvinced that they could have a significant role in managing childhood obesity on a large scale. Participants believed schools have more contact with children and should coordinate the identification and management of overweight children. Future policy could recommend a minor role for general practice involving opportunistically identifying overweight children and signposting to obesity services.
Atlantoaxial TB with paralysis: posterior-only cervical approach with good results
Authors: Mandavia Rishi , Fox Richard , Meir Adam
Published: June 2017

Early posterior cervical approach is an effective strategy for patients with cervical tuberculosis in the appropriate circumstances.
World medical schools: The sum also rises
Authors: Rigby Perry G , Gururaja Ramnarayan P
Published: June 2017

Objective

There is a worldwide shortage of doctors, which is true in most countries and on most continents. To enumerate the number of medical schools in the world at two different times, showing the trends and relating this to population is a beginning. The number is actually going up and has done so for some time; this has increased the supply of physicians and broadened healthcare delivery.

Design

The number to count for geographic and regional information about the medical schools relates directly to the supply of doctors. Regions were chosen from WHO and Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research data to illustrate geographic distributions, physicians per patient and kinetics.

Setting

The number of medical schools has consistently been rising around the world. However, world order is reverting to disorder, considering wars, disease and beleaguered stand-offs.

Participants

None.

Main outcome measures

Eight countries contain 40% of medical schools; however, several locations are rising faster than the rest. Some regions are stable, but sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, South Asia and South America have increased the most in percentage recently, but not uniformly.

Results

Medical schools are related not only by geography, political boundaries and population but are concentrated in some regions. Graduate Medical Education positions appear to be short on a worldwide basis, as well as in some regions and countries.

Conclusions

The number of medical schools is increasing worldwide and the identification of rapidly rising geographic areas is useful in exploring, planning and comparing regions. Controversy continues in a variety of locations, especially concerning Graduate Medical Education. In addition to funding, faculty candidates and accreditation, new schools are confronting a variety of choices in standards and quality, sizing and regional concerns.
An unusual manifestation of diabetic ketoacidosis and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction
Authors: Natalini Jake , Borno Hala , Jin Lan , Jensen Trevor
Published: June 2017

Lesson

Patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis and acute colonic pseudo-obstruction should undergo a focused evaluation to identify underlying precipitants.
Midterm Election in Kerala in 1960 and the American Government
Authors: T. Ajayan
Published: June 2017

After toppling the first Communist ministry in Kerala the main attention of the US agencies—Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the US Embassy in India—was to install a non-communist stable government in Kerala to meet the dangers of communism in Asia. The US agencies adopted two ways to realise these objectives. First of all, they extended all out support to the triple alliance composed of the Congress Party, Praja Socialist Party (PSP) and the Muslim League against the Communist Party in 1960 election. The election campaign of the triple alliance was much funded by the CIA. However the triple alliance won the election, the Communist Party got more votes than in 1957 and it intensified the US agencies to beef up its anti-Communist operations in Kerala and outside. It led to the adoption of second method of anti-Communist activities that the US agencies began to give wide publicity in India and outside that the first Communist ministry in Kerala could not make any economic advancement in Kerala during their tenure nor could they redress the chronic problems of unemployment and food scarcity and if Communists were voted to power in other parts of Asia, they would follow the same trend and fall.
Agrarian Question and Democratic Decentralization in Kerala
Authors: Harilal K. N. , Eswaran K. K.
Published: June 2017

This article is dedicated to Professor Sam Moyo, whose work on radical land reform in Zimbabwe within a neoliberal environment has engaged our attention and illuminated the subject of our own research, the agrarian question in post-land reform Kerala.

In Kerala, the experiment of democratic decentralization is now nearly two decades old. The present article focuses on one of its weakest links, the failure to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities, in either industry or agriculture. The crisis in agriculture is best seen as part of a larger process of structural transformation of the Kerala economy which has blocked agrarian transition and requires thorough overhauling of the social organization of production for overcoming the present impasse. Even though local governments have a major role in resolving the agrarian question, it presupposes greater involvement of higher tiers of government and deeper cooperation among different tiers.
A Pilot Study of Tobacco Screening and Referral for Smoking Cessation Program among HIV-Infected Patients in France
Authors: Parienti Jean-Jacques , Merzougui Zine , de la Blanchardière Arnaud , Dargère Sylvie , Feret Philippe , Le Maitre Béatrice , Verdon Renaud
Published: June 2017

Background:

The prevalence of tobacco smoking is high among patients living with HIV, supporting the need for effective targeted interventions.

Materials and Methods:

All current smokers at our outpatient HIV clinic were invited to participate in a smoking cessation program.

Results:

Of the 716 patients living with HIV, 280 (39%) reported active smoking and were younger, more recently HIV infected and more frequently infected due to intravenous drug use (IDU). One hundred forty-seven (53%) smokers agreed to participate in the smoking cessation program and had a higher Fagerström score and were less likely IDU. During follow-up, 41 (28%) smokers withdrew from the program. After 6 months, 60 (57%) of the 106 smokers who completed the intervention had stopped tobacco smoking and were more likely to use varenicline, adjusting for a history of depression.

Conclusion:

Our smoking cessation program was feasible. However, strategies to reach and retain in smoking cessation program specific groups such as IDU are needed to improve the smoking cessation cascade.
Improving Responsiveness to Patient Phone Calls
Authors: O’Brien Lisa K , Drobnick Patricia , Gehman Mary , Hollenbeak Christopher , Iantosca Mark R , Luchs Sherri , Manning Maureen , Palm Susan K , Potochny John , Ritzman Angela , Tetro-Viozzi Jennie , Trauger Mary , Armstrong April D
Published: June 2017

Optimal patient-physician communication in the outpatient clinical setting is critical for safe and effective patient care. Keeping track of multiple patient telephone messages can be difficult and hazardous if a structured system is not in place. A multidisciplinary group at Hershey Medical Center developed a standardized approach for addressing patient telephone calls at their outpatient surgical clinics. This program was designed to improve the patient experience by providing a realistic time frame for phone calls to be returned and requests fulfilled. Additionally, this system permitted phone calls to be tracked and documented appropriately and allowed for prioritization of urgent and emergent messages. Our intent for this program was to close potential gaps within the communication chain at our outpatient surgical clinics, improve overall communication between clinicians and their patients, and improve both patient and employee satisfaction.
Urban planning, public participation and digital technology: App development as a method of generating citizen involvement in local planning processes
Authors: Wilson Alexander , Tewdwr-Jones Mark , Comber Rob
Published: June 2017

There has been a recent shift in England towards empowering citizens to shape their neighbourhoods. However, current methods of participation are unsuitable or unwieldy for many people. In this paper, we report on ChangeExplorer, a smart watch application to support citizen feedback, to investigate the extent to which digital wearables can address barriers to participation in planning. The research contributes to both technology-mediated citizen involvement and urban planning participation methods. The app leverages in-situ, quick interactions encouraging citizens to reflect and comment on their environment. Taking a case study approach, the paper discusses the design and deployment of the app in a local planning authority through interviews with 19 citizens and three professional planners. The paper discusses the potential of the ChangeExplorer app to address more conceptual issues, and concludes by assessing the degree to which the technology raises awareness of urban change and whether it could serve as a gateway to more meaningful participatory methods.
Gothic green glazed tile from Malbork Castle: multi-analytical study
Authors: Svorová Pawełkowicz Sylwia , Rohanová Dana , Svora Petr
Published: June 2017

Looking at the façade of a historical building, it is often difficult to distinguish between the original decoration and later additions. One such building is the Holy Virgin Mary Church at the Malbork Castle (Northern Poland), built between 1276 and 1406. During the latest restoration works, ceramic tiles with some remnants of the green glaze, decorating the Holy Virgin Mary Church façade, were studied in situ using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Micro-samples were analyzed in laboratory by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS) and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–WDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray micro-diffraction. We found that what was originally thought to be a paint layer was in fact a heavily deteriorated SiO2–PbO glaze. White, yellow and black pigments were found to have been added into the glaze as opacifiers and colorants. Copper and iron were used as glaze colorants. The originally added pigments were transformed into new phases, such as antimony-doped tin oxide. The technology used to produce the glazed tiles was identified. All the results collectively confirmed the medieval origin of the green glazed tiles.