bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Conceivably Neglected’ – Are prescribers sufficiently aware of the risks of prescribing sodium valproate to women with mental illness?
Authors: Perera Charana , Patterson Sue , Bruxner George
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

To describe prescription of sodium valproate (SV) for bipolar mood disorder to potentially child-bearing women within one public mental health service and describe risks of fetal exposure, and safe prescribing practices among psychiatrists.

Methods:

A 24-month retrospective chart review with descriptive analysis; narrative review of literature and guidelines.

Results:

Review of 383 charts demonstrated prescription of valproate to 20% of 98 women aged 15–45, with little evidence of advice regarding risk and contraception. Robust evidence of teratogenic and neurodevelopmental risk underpins increased regulation, and recommendations that valproate not be prescribed to this cohort.

Conclusions:

The significant risks associated with SV oblige all prescribers to proactively access authoritative guidelines such as those published by the Centre of Perinatal Excellence.
Adult Science-Based Learning: The Intersection of Digital, Science, and Information Literacies
Authors: Bliss Angela Collier
Published: February 2019

In today’s learning environment, adult learners conduct learning episodes on the Internet meaning they are now expected to approach a self-directed science-based learning endeavor with knowledge of digital tools (digital literacy), knowledge of the science content (science literacy), and critical thinking skills to evaluate online resources (information literacy). Are adults equipped with such skills to discern credible science-based resources? If so, how are these adults discerning credibility, especially when they encounter conflicting science-based information. A recent qualitative study was conducted to delve into these questions. Participants engaged in real-time science-based Internet searches and provided feedback on rationales behind their credibility decisions. Findings from this study provided three strategies to assist those serving adult audiences in ways in which science-based resources might be best dissimilated online, especially when focused on controversial science issues such as fracking and climate change. The three strategies are (a) internally evaluate online resources, (b) conduct a usability study of online resources, and (c) stay dynamic with types of science-based resources and how to best meet the changing needs of the adult populace.
Electrical tuning of magnetostrictive applications: Equivalent electromechanical circuit analysis
Authors: Germer Maxim , Marschner Uwe , Flatau Alison B
Published: February 2019

Electromechanical equivalent circuit models provide an efficient tool for analysis of power flow across multiple physical domains. This work applies this approach to analyze the dynamic behavior of magnetostrictive material-based devices. Here, the unimorph system consists of a magnetostrictive galfenol (Fe-Ga alloy) layer bonded to a non-magnetic flexible metal layer, a pick-up coil wound around the bimetallic strip, and an electrical load. Permanent magnets at both ends of the unimorph provide a magnetic bias. The electrical load, consisting of a resistance and capacitance, is connected to the pick-up coil, such that vibration in the magnetostrictive alloy layer generates electrical energy. From a system point of view, a transformation of the electrical and magnetic elements into the mechanical domain reveals a vibration absorption core structure of the electromechanical system with the appropriate applied electrical load. Experimental results from two different devices are presented and their dynamic behaviors are compared with simulations for purposes of adjustable damping and tunable energy harvesting. Because of the very good agreement between simulations and measurements, the presented network model can be used to predict the performance of magnetostrictive sensors, actuators, energy harvesters, and dampers with a similar structure.
Pursuing Well-Being Among Rural-Dwelling Adults With Disabilities
Authors: Thurman Whitney A. , Harrison Tracie C. , Walker Veronica G. , Garcia Alexandra A.
Published: February 2019

Through this constructivist grounded theory study, it was our purpose to create a substantive theory to explain how rural-dwelling, working-age adults with disabilities define and pursue well-being. Twelve rural-dwelling participants were interviewed up to 3 times to understand the processes involved in defining and pursuing well-being. From this exploration, we suggest that well-being is not a set state to be achieved and then enjoyed, rather well-being results from establishing and maintaining membership in the rural community. Membership facilitated access to the array of material and psychological supports needed for a sense of well-being. Findings support the assumption that urban models of care are insufficient for rural areas. This study also provides an understanding of how individuals in this population mobilize resources to overcome functional limitations and environmental barriers to establish group membership and create a sense of well-being. Implications for health care practice and policy are discussed.
Intravenous Olanzapine for the Management of Agitation: Review of the Literature
Authors: Khorassani Farah , Saad Maha
Published: February 2019

Objective: The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence of the off-label use of intravenous (IV) olanzapine and discuss its risks versus benefits for the management of agitation. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted to gather relevant data regarding IV use of olanzapine for the management of acute agitation. PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and IPA were searched using the keywords and MESH terms: olanzapine, intravenous, IV, off-label, and agitation. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All case reports, and retrospective and prospective studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of IV olanzapine administration for agitation from January 2004 to December 2018 were analyzed. Data Synthesis: Doses from 2.5 to 10 mg given as an IV bolus (maximum dose of 30 mg/d) have been administered. Rescue medications such as droperidol or parenteral benzodiazepines are sometimes coadministered to assist with achieving adequate sedation. Prospective studies demonstrate efficacy similar to droperidol in achieving adequate sedation within 10 minutes and similar time to onset of sedation. Rates of respiratory depression and airway obstruction are low and similar to that of comparative agents, including intramuscular olanzapine. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review evaluated the off-label use of IV olanzapine to manage agitation based on case reports, and retrospective and prospective data. Conclusions: The use of IV olanzapine remains controversial in the absence of clear evidence evaluating safety and efficacy. Future studies are warranted comparing IV olanzapine with more commonly utilized and Food and Drug Administration–approved treatment modalities for acute agitation in the emergency department and other settings.
Dolutegravir-Rilpivirine, Dual Antiretroviral Therapy for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Hester E. Kelly , Astle Kevin
Published: February 2019

Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of dolutegravir (DTG) with rilpivirine (RPV) as a dual therapy regimen in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Data Sources: A literature search was performed using PubMed (1966 to January 2019) and Google Scholar (2014 to January 2019) with the search terms dolutegravir, rilpivirine, dual, and switch. Other resources included review articles and the manufacturer product label. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All relevant English-language articles of studies assessing the efficacy and safety of switch therapy to DTG with RPV and review articles were included. Data Synthesis: The fixed-dose combination tablet of DTG and RPV is the first dual therapy approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients who have achieved virological suppression for least 6 months on current antiretroviral therapy. This single-tablet regimen is dosed once daily and has been compared with standard triple therapy antiretroviral regimens for safety and efficacy. The dual therapy regimen demonstrated comparable maintenance of virological suppression evaluated up to 100 weeks, with low rates of virological failure. Common adverse effects include headache and diarrhea. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This dual therapy represents an attractive option with a high barrier to resistance in patients without hepatitis B coinfection with adverse effects or significant drug-drug interactions on current therapy, polypharmacy, or end-stage renal disease, who are controlled on triple therapy. Conclusions: This dual therapy combination of DTG-RPV provides maintenance of virological suppression as a switch strategy with few drug interactions and positive effects on lipids and renal and bone health.
The Making of Gangnam: Social Construction and Identity of Urban Place in South Korea
Authors: Bae Yooil , Joo Yu-Min
Published: February 2019

Amid a globally increasing trend of urban segregation, this article asks why a particular urban place, the Gangnam area in the city of Seoul, has come to symbolize the rich and the powerful, consolidating both socioeconomic segregation and political conservatism in a short span of time. While different approaches exist that partially explain Gangnam’s luxurious lifestyles, fervent real estate speculation, obsession with education, and political conservatism, this article seeks to provide a holistic explanation for the rise of Gangnam and draws particular attention to the social construction of place identity. Based on the analysis of historically and contextually grounded evidence, imaginations, and cognitive scaling of different stakeholders, it suggests bidirectional formations of self–other and present–future identities, highlighting the sociopsychological aspects of place identity formation. Specifically, it explains political conservatism as the attempts of Gangnam residents to sustain the area’s entrance barrier and pass on their exclusivity to future selves and children.
Ibrutinib for the treatment of Bing-Neel syndrome, a complication of Waldenström macroglobulinemia: Patient case report
Authors: Hartsell Lauren , Janes Amanda , Larck Chris , Park Steven , Arnall Justin R
Published: February 2019

Bing-Neel syndrome is a rare complication of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, characterized by infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells to the central nervous system. Multiple treatment modalities exist including purine analogs, bendamustine, high-dose methotrexate, or high-dose cytarabine. Of interest, ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor has also displayed efficacy in Bing-Neel syndrome. Current literature is limited for the treatment of Bing-Neel syndrome considering its rarity, and while ibrutinib is indicated for the treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, it is utilized off-label for treatment of Bing-Neel syndrome. Additionally, debate exists regarding the recommended dosing strategy for ibrutinib for this indication with disease remission demonstrated at 560 mg and 420 mg. We present a case report that provides additional evidence for this debate with a patient who received 560 mg of ibrutinib initially and maintained disease control despite a dose reduction to 420 mg for tolerability. Ultimately, more data are needed to develop standardized Bing-Neel syndrome treatment strategies with specific consideration to the use of ibrutinib in this condition.
The Unique Effects of Maternal ADHD Symptoms and Emotion Dysregulation on Parenting Behavior
Authors: Woods Kelsey E. , Mazursky-Horowitz Heather , Thomas Sharon R. , Dougherty Lea R. , Chronis-Tuscano Andrea
Published: February 2019

Objective: Separate literatures have examined the associations between maternal ADHD symptoms and parenting and maternal emotion regulation (ER) and parenting. This study examined the effects of both maternal ADHD symptoms and ER on parenting. Method: This cross-sectional study used a multi-method evaluation of parenting behavior to examine the independent and interactive effects of maternal ADHD symptoms and ER on self-reported and observed parenting among 79 demographically diverse families of 5- to 10-year-old children. Results: There were significant main effects of maternal ER difficulties on negative parenting and of maternal ADHD symptoms on harsh responses to children’s negative emotions. Maternal ADHD symptoms and ER were not significantly associated with positive parenting behavior. No interaction effects were observed. Conclusion: Maternal ADHD symptoms and emotion dysregulation may uniquely contribute to parenting difficulties. Maternal ADHD symptoms were associated with difficulties responding to children’s negative emotions, whereas maternal ER was associated with difficulties with discipline practices.
Toxicity of Pexacerfont, a Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Type 1 Receptor Antagonist, in Rats and Dogs
Authors: White Melvin R. , Graziano Michael J. , Sanderson Thomas P.
Published: February 2019

Pexacerfont is a corticotropin-releasing factor subtype 1 receptor antagonist that was developed for the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders. This report describes the results of repeat-dose oral toxicity studies in rats (3 and 6 months) and dogs (3 months and 1 year). Pexacerfont was well tolerated in all of these studies at exposures equal to or greater than areas under the curve in humans (clinical dose of 100 mg). Microscopic changes in the liver (hepatocellular hypertrophy), thyroid glands (hypertrophy/hyperplasia and adenomas of follicular cells), and pituitary (hypertrophy/hyperplasia and vacuolation of thyrotrophs) were only observed in rats and were considered adaptive changes in response to hepatic enzyme induction and subsequent alterations in serum thyroid hormone levels. Evidence for hepatic enzyme induction in dogs was limited to increased liver weights and reduced thyroxine (T4) levels. Mammary gland hyperplasia and altered female estrous cycling were only observed in rats, whereas adverse testicular effects (consistent with minimal to moderate degeneration of the germinal epithelium) were only noted following chronic dosing in dogs. The testicular effects were reversible changes with exposure margins of 8× at the no observed adverse effect level. It is not clear whether the changes in mammary gland, estrous cycling, and testes represent secondary hormonal changes due to perturbation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis or are off-target effects. In conclusion, the results of chronic toxicity studies in rats and dogs show that pexacerfont has an acceptable safety profile to support further clinical testing.
Tackling the Challenges of FASTQ Referential Compression
Authors: Guerra Aníbal , Lotero Jaime , Aedo José Édinson , Isaza Sebastián
Published: February 2019

The exponential growth of genomic data has recently motivated the development of compression algorithms to tackle the storage capacity limitations in bioinformatics centers. Referential compressors could theoretically achieve a much higher compression than their non-referential counterparts; however, the latest tools have not been able to harness such potential yet. To reach such goal, an efficient encoding model to represent the differences between the input and the reference is needed. In this article, we introduce a novel approach for referential compression of FASTQ files. The core of our compression scheme consists of a referential compressor based on the combination of local alignments with binary encoding optimized for long reads. Here we present the algorithms and performance tests developed for our reads compression algorithm, named UdeACompress. Our compressor achieved the best results when compressing long reads and competitive compression ratios for shorter reads when compared to the best programs in the state of the art. As an added value, it also showed reasonable execution times and memory consumption, in comparison with similar tools.
The Utility of Forearm to Fingertip Skin Temperature Gradients During Measurements of Resting Energy Expenditure
Authors: Soares Mario John , Pathak Kaveri
Published: February 2019

The measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE) is important to both human physiology and nutrition. There are several pre-conditions for the proper measurement of REE, but a key criterion is that it takes place in the thermoneutral zone (TNZ). Deciding whether a person is in his or her TNZ is not an easy task, and a suggested way forward is the monitoring of forearm to fingertip skin temperature gradients (FFG). In this commentary, we highlight our recent findings that FFG varies between individuals even when measured at a temperature within TNZ. Interestingly, FFG showed a consistent direct relationship with adjusted REE, in both cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs. In addition, we provide new findings that FFG is sensitive to small ambient temperature variations within the TNZ, in comparison to visual analogue scale (VAS)-derived subjective measures of thermal comfort. While further research is needed in this area, our view is measurements of FFG should be included in REE protocols. This would inform investigators on how their participants are responding to the ambient room temperature and also allow appropriate statistical adjustments in REE for between-group comparisons.
Acoustic comfort in a worship space made of cross-laminated timber
Authors: Fratoni Giulia , D’Orazio Dario , Barbaresi Luca
Published: February 2019

The construction of a new worship space in cross-laminated timber provides a good opportunity to include acoustic needs in the whole design development. The surface porosity and the lightweight of wooden elements may be carefully considered in order to improve the intelligibility of priests’ voice. In this work, a practical approach for obtaining a global acoustic comfort using sustainable materials is provided, using geometrical acoustic simulations. Material properties and architectural geometries were taken into account in order to evaluate subjective reverberation, speech intelligibility, and spatial perception over the whole audience. Results show how the sound energy distribution in the case study follows the sound field models proposed by scholars and how the ceiling shape—inspired by industrial sheds—contributes to the acoustic comfort of the faithfuls.
Traveling health-promoting infrastructures: A meta-ethnographic analysis
Authors: Andersen Signe Lindgaard , Andersen Ove , Petersen Janne , Wahlberg Ayo
Published: February 2019

In recent years, it has become increasingly important to understand the global circulation of healthcare innovations in nations’ attempts to solve contemporary health challenges. This article is a systematic review and meta-ethnography–inspired analysis that explores the global circulation of health-related standards, protocols, procedures, and regulations, or what we term health-promoting infrastructures (HPIs). The notion of HPIs is defined as built networks that allow for the circulation of health expertise with the intention of promoting solutions that address global health problems. We conducted systematic searches in six relevant electronic databases and ended up with a set of 13 studies. The review shows that it takes arduous work to prepare and facilitate the travel of HPIs and to mold them into meaningful local forms. In conclusion, we argue that HPIs can helpfully be thought of as scripted forms, which are globally available in always sited efforts to address specific problems.
Exploring caregiving-related experiences among Chinese American and European American family caregivers of persons with mental illness
Authors: Han Meekyung , Diwan Sadhna , Sun Karen
Published: February 2019

Family caregivers (FCs) of people with mental illness (PMI) experience caregiving-related distress. These challenges tend to be greater for Asian American families due to acculturative stress and structural barriers to services. However, little is known about caregiving-related experiences among FCs of PMI within a cultural context. By using an exploratory approach, we examined the experience of caregiver distress and the influence of cultural values on caregiving in European American and Chinese American FCs. In collaboration with community-based agencies, a combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit Chinese American and European American caregivers who co-reside with PMIs. Two focus groups with each ethnic group with 57 participants (30 Chinese and 27 European American) were conducted. Thematic analysis indicates that FCs experience intense emotions, health/mental health problems, and a negative impact on their personal/social lives. Whereas Chinese American FCs reported shame, lack of knowledge, and over-protectiveness of PMIs, European American FCs reported the need for advocacy on behalf of the PMI. Findings indicate a need for: 1) greater awareness of the caregiving experience on wellbeing of FCs; 2) an understanding of how cultural values may influence caregiver experience; and 3) developing culturally relevant prevention and intervention services that can support FCs from diverse cultural contexts.
Ligasure impact™ might reduce blood loss, complications, and re-operation occurrence after abdominoplasty in massive-weight-loss patients: A Comparative Study
Authors: Giordano S. , Kangas R. , Veräjänkorva E. , Koskivuo I.
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims:

The most effective dissection technique for raising the flap in abdominoplasty is still controversial, particularly in high-risk massive-weight-loss patients. LigaSure Impact™ vessel-sealing system (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) is an energy device commonly used among different surgical specialties to reduce morbidity and implement outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of LigaSure Impact in abdominoplasty compared with the conventional techniques, diathermia.

Material and Methods:

Patients underwent primary abdominoplasty after massive weight loss at a single center from 1 January 2008 to 31 May 2015 and were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 94 patients eligible for the study were divided into two groups on basis of the dissection technique: LigaSure Impact group (29 patients) and the conventional technique group (65 patients). Total intraoperative blood loss was the primary endpoint. Duration of the operation, perioperative complications and re-operation were recorded as secondary endpoints.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the groups. Significant differences were found in intraoperative blood loss favoring LigaSure Impact group (259.6 ± 198.8 mL vs 377.9 ± 190.0 mL, p = 0.004) and blood transfusion rates (13.8% vs 35.4%, p = 0.047). In contrast, operative time was significantly longer in LigaSure Impact group (168.6 ± 121.2 vs 179.7 ± 57.6 min, p = 0.005), while a tendency to shorter hospital stay was found in LigaSure Impact group (3.6 ± 1.1 days vs 4.6 ± 3.2 days, p = 0.081). Overall complications occurrence, Clavien–Dindo grade II (24.1% vs 55.4%) and grade III (13.8% vs 30.8%) complications were significantly lower in LigaSure Impact group (respectively, p = 0.005, p = 0.007, p = 0.016). Late (>30 days) re-operation rate was significantly lower in the LigaSure Impact group (6.9% vs 27.70%, p = 0.0028). Specific wound complications showed no significant difference.

Conclusion:

LigaSure Impact vessel-sealing system may be beneficial in improving abdominoplasty outcomes in massive-weight-loss patients because it might reduce blood loss, need for transfusions, complications, and re-operations.
Dynamic research on a low-frequency vibration isolation system of quasi-zero stiffness
Authors: Jurevicius M , Vekteris V , Viselga G , Turla V , Kilikevicius A , Iljin I
Published: February 2019

The paper describes an establishment of dynamic characteristics of the newly created passive mechanical system for isolation of low-frequency (0.7 Hz–50 Hz) vibrations. The many metrological means are sensitive to mechanical vibrations and acoustic noise of low frequency. Such may appear both outside and inside a building, i.e. may be caused by wind, heating, aeration, air conditioning equipment, moving vehicles and other. In the paper, description of the theoretical and experimental tests is provided. The obtained dynamic characteristics (transmissibilities) of the passive mechanical low-frequency vibration isolation system show that such a system is able to isolate vibrations effectively in the frequency range of 0.7 Hz–50 Hz. The results of the experimental tests support the results of the theoretical research.
Using multiple-resolution data in an adaptive simulation for typhoon-induced waves in northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Hsiao Shih-Chun , Hou Tien-Hung , Hsu Tai-Wen , Tsai Chia-Cheng
Published: February 2019

Due to the very large expanse of warm water in the northwest Pacific Ocean, typhoons are stronger and occur more frequently than hurricanes. In addition, there is usually a lack of unified high-resolution data of wind fields and bathymetry since multiple countries can be influenced by a typhoon. Therefore, we use multiple-resolution data in an adaptive simulation for typhoon-induced waves. Higher-resolution data are obtained from the government of Taiwan and are used for the area around Taiwan. In the other area, lower resolution data are adopted from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States. An adaption criterion is implemented such that the highest resolution numerical grids move with the typhoon in a large-scale simulation. The numerical results obtained by the large-scale simulation with multiple-resolution wind fields are improved over those obtained by a smaller scale simulation with the higher resolution wind field at buoys near Taiwan. In addition, the large-scale simulation also provides results for buoys where the higher resolution wind field is not available. In addition, a speedup of fourfolds by the dynamic adaption model over the partially uniform grid one is demonstrated.
Beyond Willpower: Strategies for Reducing Failures of Self-Control
Authors: Duckworth Angela L. , Milkman Katherine L. , Laibson David
Published: February 2019

Almost everyone struggles to act in their individual and collective best interests, particularly when doing so requires forgoing a more immediately enjoyable alternative. Other than exhorting decision makers to “do the right thing,” what can policymakers do to reduce overeating, undersaving, procrastination, and other self-defeating behaviors that feel good now but generate larger delayed costs? In this review, we synthesize contemporary research on approaches to reducing failures of self-control. We distinguish between self-deployed and other-deployed strategies and, in addition, between situational and cognitive intervention targets. Collectively, the evidence from both psychological science and economics recommends psychologically informed policies for reducing failures of self-control.
The Complexity of Judgment in the Everyday Work of Educators
Authors: Earl Rinehart Kerry
Published: February 2019

We experience judgment in everyday life: the process and the outcome, making and receiving. In this piece, I turn to John Dewey’s notions on how judgments are situational, interpretive, (con)temporary, active, and relational. Contrary to everyday connotations of the word judgment, Dewey reminds us that judgment is more contingent than propositional. The aim of this piece is to re-consider our understanding of judgment in everyday educational work. Crafted from a range of sources, anecdotes are alternated with statements about judgment in the work of school principals and teachers, one to illustrate the other. The form chosen for this project echoes that of Ron Pelias’s 1994 piece on performance in everyday discourse.
Becoming With Art Differently: Entangling Matter, Thought and Love
Authors: Thomson Jody , Davies Bronwyn
Published: February 2019

In this article, we put new materialist concepts to work in an experiment in thinking-with-matter. We write our way into an encounter with two artworks by Australian French Impressionist John Russell, hanging in an exhibition space at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. In being-with and becoming-with the pictures, we go off the beaten track, not concerning ourselves with aesthetics, critique, meaning-making, or sociocultural conventions. We begin with W. J. T. Mitchell’s question what do pictures want? We extend his question, drawing on new materialist philosophers, to explore what is made possible when the matter of paint-on-canvas is encountered, not as inert, but as lively, affective, and intra-active. Our experiment moves to what happens in between ourselves as human subjects and the more-than-human matter of these works of art.
Peripheral Venous Blood Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) for Predicting the Survival of Patients With Gastric Cancer Treated With SOX or XELOX Regimen Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Li , Hao Ying , Cong Xiliang , Zou Menghua , Li Sen , Zhu Lihua , Song Hongjiang , Xue Yingwei
Published: February 2019

Background:

Inflammation plays an important role in tumor progression. Predicting survival is remarkably difficult in patients with gastric cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential prognostic significance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with gastric cancer receiving S-1 plus oxaliplatin or oxaliplatin and capecitabine regimen.

Methods:

Ninety-one patients with gastric cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled in this study and then underwent operation. The optimal cutoff value was calculated using receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses. The optimal cutoff value of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was divided into low platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio <162 group and high platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥162 group. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to analyze the survival curves. The independent prognostic factors and prognostic value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. The toxicity was evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria.

Results:

Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that patients with low platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated remarkably with better mean disease-free survival and mean overall survival than those with high platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (mean disease-free survival 47.33 and 33.62 months, respectively; mean overall survival 51.21 and 36.80 months, respectively). The results demonstrated that platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio had prognostic significance using the cutoff value of 162 on disease-free survival and overall survival, and the mean disease-free survival and overall survival time for patients with low platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were longer than those with high platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio. Meanwhile, patients with gastric cancer who had lower platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio had longer 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates of disease-free survival and overall survival. Moreover, patients with low platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio had longer mean disease-free survival and overall survival than those with high platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in receiving S-1 plus oxaliplatin or oxaliplatin and capecitabine regimen.

Conclusions:

The preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio may be a promising and convenient prognostic biomarker for patients gastric cancer receiving S-1 plus oxaliplatin or oxaliplatin and capecitabine regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It may be useful to help the doctors identify the high-risk patients for taking efficient treatment strategy decisions.
Comparison of Vickers’ Physiolysis With Osteotomy for Primary Correction of Clinodactyly
Authors: Gillis Joshua A. , Nicoson Michael C. , Floccari Lorena , Khouri Joseph S. , Moran Steven L.
Published: February 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the Vickers physiolysis procedure with osteotomy for correction of digital clinodactyly and determine which method provides better correction at final follow-up or whether the patient’s age, preoperative angulation, or presence of syndactyly affects final outcomes. Methods: All patients of skeletal immaturity who underwent surgical correction of clinodactyly were evaluated with clinical examination and radiographs to determine the percentage and absolute change in the degree of clinodactyly pre- versus postoperatively, in addition to stratification based on the degree of deformity, age, and presence of syndactyly. Results: Vickers’ physiolysis and osteotomy were undertaken in 30 and 11 digits, respectively. The angulation significantly improved from 43.0° to 23.9°, with a 46.2% correction of deformity in the Vickers group at 46.3 months. The angulation decreased from 39.2° to 22.4° in the osteotomy group, with a 55.3% correction of deformity at 55.3 months. There was better correction in those with isolated clinodactyly compared with those with concomitant syndactyly and better percentage of correction in patients with lesser deformity in the Vickers group. There were more reoperations in the osteotomy group. Conclusions: The use of osteotomy may lead to more revision cases, whereas the Vickers procedure has minimal complications and need for revision. The Vickers physiolysis procedure is more effective in those with angulation <55°.
Relationships Between Vein Repairs, Postoperative Transfusions, and Survival in Single Digit Replantation
Authors: Milone Michael T. , Klifto Christopher S. , Lee Z-Hye , Thanik Vishal , Hacquebord Jacques H.
Published: February 2019

Background: The general teaching is that increased number of vein repairs in digit replantation leads to improved venous outflow, resulting in lower need for iatrogenic bleeding, lower postoperative transfusion requirements, and better survival rates. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the traditional teaching that emphasizes the repair of multiple veins per arterial anastomosis results in superior survival rates. Methods: A retrospective review of a single urban replant center’s single-digit replants distal to the mid-metacarpal level in adult patients from 2007 to 2017 was performed. Data on patient demographics, mechanism and level of injury, veins repaired, iatrogenic bleeding, postoperative transfusions, and replant survival were obtained. Results: There were a total of 54 single-digit replants. The most common mechanism was lacerations (N = 38), and the most common injury level was at the proximal phalanx (N = 21). All digits were replanted with a single arterial anastomosis—44% via grafting. In all, 0 to 3 veins were repaired per digit (mean = 1.5 veins). The mean transfusion requirement was 1.7 units. The survival rate was 50%. Digits with 1 or 2 veins repaired had lower transfusion requirements (1.1-1.3 units) and higher survival rates (56%-61%) compared with those replanted with 0 or 3 veins repaired (2.9-3.5 transfused units, 25%-29% survival). There were no differences between those digits replanted with either 1 or 2 veins repaired for transfusion requirements or survival. Conclusions: More veins repaired do not necessarily improve survival or possibly venous outflow, calling into question the traditional teaching that 2 veins should be repaired for every arterial anastomosis.
Sleeve-Shaped Neurothekeoma of the Ulnar Nerve: A Unique Case of a Still Unclear Pathological Entity
Authors: Vetrano Ignazio G. , Levi Vincenzo , Pollo Bianca , Chiapparini Luisa , Messina Giuseppe , Nazzi Vittoria
Published: February 2019

Background: Neurothekeomas are slow-growing, well-circumscribed benign neoplasms. They usually involve cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues. Although originally described as myxomas deriving from nerve sheath cells, their exact histological classification is still uncertain. Peripheral nerve localization is rarely reported. Here, we describe a unique case of sleeve-shaped neurothekeoma of the ulnar nerve, which was incidentally discovered during a cubital tunnel release surgery. Methods: A 57-year-old man was admitted at our institution with clinical, ultrasonographic, and electromyographic findings highly suggestive of cubital tunnel syndrome. During ulnar nerve decompression surgery, however, no bony or ligament compression was noticed, but a segment of the nerve wrapped by a thick sleeve-shaped tissue, which had no clear-cut cleavage plane from the nerve. Given this unexpected finding, the en bloc excision of the lesion was avoided. A nerve decompression with biopsy of the swelling portion of the lesion was performed instead. Results: Histological examination described abundant myxoid stroma, with epithelioid and ring-shaped cells arranged in cords, negative to S100 protein at immunohistochemical analysis. This pattern was suggestive of neurothekeoma. The patient showed improvement in hypermyotrophy and intrinsic weakness of the hand. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a sleeve-shaped neurothekeoma of the ulnar nerve. The exact pathological characterization of such rare entities remains uncertain. In case of peripheral nerve localization, and when a clear cleavage plane is absent, the correct management of these lesions should be that of simple nerve decompression followed by biopsy.
Effect of environment temperature on web tension in shaft-less drive gravure printing system
Authors: He Kui , Liu Shanhui , Wang Kedian , Mei Xuesong
Published: February 2019

In the printing section of the shaft-less drive gravure printing machine, as the web material is sensitive to temperature, the web outside the drying devices will be affected by the changes of the environment temperature. In order to improve the printing precision in gravure printing machine, the effects of environment temperature on web tension in the printing section are studied in this article. Based on the law of mass conservation, the tension model including the factor of environment temperature is derived. Then some theoretical analyses and simulations are conducted to in-depth study the effects of environment temperature from the relations between inputs and output in a web span. Finally, some experiments are carried out to verify the characteristics of the tension subsystem including environment temperature. The result shows that the settling times decrease with the rise of the environment temperature in the transient responses, and the absolute changes of the steady-state tension decrease with the rise of the environment temperature in the steady-state responses as the inputs are the velocities of the printing rollers. The study on the effects of environment temperature on web tension would benefit the tension control and the register control for the further study.
Inference on covariate effect types for treatment effectiveness in a randomized trial with a binary outcome
Authors: Chiba Yasutaka
Published: February 2019

Background/aims

Some randomized clinical trials seek to establish covariate effect types that indicate whether a covariate is predictive and/or prognostic, in addition to endpoint evaluation. Here, for a case with a binary outcome, we propose that the covariate effect type should be assessed in terms of four types of potential responses: activated- (always-), inert- (never-), causative-, and preventive-responder.

Methods

We introduce a new concept of covariate effect types differing from the commonly used “prediction” and “prognosis.” We summarize the covariate effect types by inspecting the proportions of subjects in each response type in two subgroups of a covariate, and indicate whether the fractions are augmented, depleted, or neutral as one changes the level of the covariate. Although these proportions cannot generally be identified, we can derive the posterior distributions of the proportions by applying a recently developed Bayesian method. On the basis of the distributions, we would say that the covariate is “augmented-causative” if the difference between the proportions of causative-responders (who would respond if they received the treatment but would not if they did not) in two subgroups is positive, rather than that it is predictive. Similarly, we would say that the covariate is “neutral-activated” if the difference in the proportion of activated-responders (who would respond regardless of their randomized treatment assignment) is close to zero, rather than saying that the covariate is not prognostic. We further describe the relationship between our approach and standard subgroup analysis.

Results

We applied our approach to data from a randomized clinical trial comparing nivolumab and docetaxel for subjects with advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer; we assessed the covariate effect type of PD-L1 status, where PD-L1 is a ligand of the programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor expressed by activated T cells. When the endpoint was the overall response rate, the posterior distributions for the differences between the proportions of subjects in response types in the PD-L1-positive and negative subgroups yielded an expected-a-posteriori estimate of 0.243 (95% credible interval (CI): 0.094, 0.374) for causative-responders and 0.014 (95% CI: −0.087, 0.125) for activated-responders. Thus, PD-L1 status was augmented-causative for nivolumab effectiveness, to an extent of 24.3%, and was neutral-activated.

Conclusion

Our approach characterizes the covariate effect types in terms of the response types, and to what extent. In a randomized clinical trial with a binary outcome, our approach is a potentially valuable addition to standard subgroup or regression analysis.
Training, match and non-rugby activities in elite male youth rugby union players in England
Authors: Hendricks Sharief , Till Kevin , Weaving Dan , Powell Alun , Kemp Simon , Stokes Keith , Jones Ben
Published: February 2019

Rugby union is a late specialisation sport. As a consequence, youth players may still be engaged in other activities and sports throughout the year as they transition to rugby specialisation. Limited research exists quantifying rugby union training and matches as well as engagement in other activities and sports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare rugby union training, matches and other activities of elite youth U15 and U16 rugby union players at different stages of the season. Four-hundred and ninety-two youth (Under-15 and 16-year-old) rugby union players self-reported the frequency, intensity and duration of their participation in rugby union matches, rugby union training, gym, physical education and other sports during three different stages – September to December (Sept–Dec), January to April (Jan–Apr), May to August (May–Aug) – of the year. When all activities were combined, the frequency and volume of rugby matches and training was the greatest during the Sept–Dec stage. The frequency and volume of participating in other sports increased in the May–Aug stage of the season. Gym training frequency, intensity, and duration were stable across the year for both U15 and U16 players. Coaches and practitioners working with elite youth rugby union players should be aware that players are still participating in other activities outside of rugby training and competition. Coaches and practitioners should put structures in place to plan and monitor players' activities in order to optimise the positive outcomes of specialisation (e.g., expertise) while reducing the potential negative outcomes (e.g., injury, burnout).
Gamification and Behavior Change Techniques in Diabetes Self-Management Apps
Authors: Priesterroth Lilli , Grammes Jennifer , Holtz Kimberly , Reinwarth Anna , Kubiak Thomas
Published: February 2019

Background:

Diabetes management apps may have positive effects on diabetes self-management. It remains unclear, however, which app features are particularly effective and encourage sustained app usage. Behavior change techniques (BCTs) and gamification are promising approaches to improve user engagement. However, little is known about the frequency BCTs and gamification techniques (GTs) are actually used. This app review aims to provide an overview of BCTs and GTs in current diabetes management apps.

Methods:

Google’s Play Store was searched for applications using a broad search strategy (keyword: “diabetes”). We limited our research to freely available apps. A total of 56 apps matched the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in terms of the features they offer to support self-management. We used a taxonomy comprising 29 BCTs and 17 GTs to evaluate the applications. Two independent raters tested and evaluated each app.

Results:

Interrater agreement was high (ICC = .75 for BCTs; ICC = .90 for GTs). An average of 7.4 BCTs (SD = 3.1) and an average of 1.4 out of 17 GTs (SD = 1.6) were implemented in each app. Five out of 29 BCTs accounted for 55.8% of the BCTs identified in total. The GT most often identified was “feedback” and accounted for 50% of the GTs.

Conclusions:

The potential of BCTs and GTs in diabetes management apps has not been fully exploited yet. Only very restricted sets of BCTs and gamification features were implemented. Systematic research on the efficacy of specific BCTs and GTs is needed to provide further guidance for app design.
The Roles of Communal Motivation in Daily Prosocial Behaviors: A Dyadic Experience-Sampling Study
Authors: Li Sisi , Hui Chin-Ming
Published: February 2019

Close relationship partners are communally motivated to engage in prosocial behaviors that can promote each other’s well-being. It remains largely unexplored how both members’ communal motivations jointly shape the daily enactment of prosocial behaviors. This dyadic experience-sampling study aimed to partially fill this gap by studying whether both members’ communal motivations predict (a) the base rate of the actor’s prosocial behaviors, (b) the actor’s reciprocity to the partner’s earlier prosocial behaviors, and (c) the consistency of the actor’s enactment of prosocial behaviors, within a day. Actor–partner interdependence analyses showed that the base rate of prosocial behaviors was positively associated with both members’ communal motivations. Consistency was only associated with the actor’s communal motivation, while reciprocity was not related to either member’s communal motivation. We also explored participants’ rationale for the enacted behaviors. Implications regarding the roles of communal motivation in daily relational functions were discussed.
Asymmetries During Multiple Face Encoding: Increased Dwell Time and Number of Fixations in the Upper Visual Hemifield
Authors: Felisberti Fatima M. , Currie Liam
Published: February 2019

Visual field asymmetries in the encoding of groups of faces have rarely been investigated. Here, eye movements (percentage of dwell time [pDT] and number of fixations [nFix]) were recorded during the encoding of three groups of four faces tagged with cheating, cooperative, or neutral behaviours. Faces in each group were placed in the top left, top right, bottom left, or bottom right quadrants. Face recall was equally high in the three behavioural groups. Conversely, pDT and nFix were higher for faces in the upper hemifields. Most of the first saccades were made to the top left visual quadrant, which also commanded a higher pDT and nFix than the other quadrants. The findings are relevant to the understanding of visual field asymmetries in the processing of multiple faces, a common social scenario, and may be linked to reading habits in conjunction (or not) with cultural and environmental cues.