bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feline ischemic myelopathy and encephalopathy secondary to hyaline arteriopathy in five cats
Authors: Rylander Helena , Eminaga Salih , Palus Viktor , Steinberg Howard , Caine Abby , Summers Brian A , Gehrke Joshua , West Chad , Fox Philip R , Donovan Taryn , Cherubini Giunio Bruto
Published: February 2014

Five cats presented with acute-onset neurological signs. Magnetic resonance imaging in four cats showed a T2-weighted hyperintense spinal cord lesion that was mildly contrast-enhancing in three cats. Owing to inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid changes three cats were treated with immunosuppression. One cat was treated with antibiotics. All cats improved initially, but were eventually euthanased owing to the recurrence of neurological signs. Histopathology in all cats showed hyaline degeneration of the ventral spinal artery, basilar artery or associated branches with aneurysmal dilation, thrombosis and ischemic degeneration and necrosis of the spinal cord and brain. Two cats also had similar vascular changes in meningeal vessels. Vascular hyaline degeneration resulting in vascular aneurysmal dilation and thrombosis should be a differential diagnosis in cats presenting with acute central nervous system signs.
Ultrasonographical examination of feline adrenal glands: intra- and inter-observer variability
Authors: Combes Anaïs , Stock Emmelie , Van der Vekens Elke , Duchateau Luc , Van Ryssen Bernadette , Saunders Jimmy H
Published: February 2014

Interpretation of ultrasonographical measurements requires an understanding of the source and the magnitude of variation. A substantial part of the variation can be attributed to the observer, the equipment or the animal. The aim of this study was to evaluate which adrenal gland measurement is the least variable within and between observers. Three experienced ultrasonographers examined six cats at three different times on the same day, more than 1 h apart, according to a strict scanning protocol. Seven ultrasonographical measurements were performed on each adrenal gland (maximal length on sagittal images, maximal height at the cranial and caudal poles on sagittal and transverse images, and maximal width of the cranial and caudal poles on transverse images). Height measurements in both planes showed the lowest variability within and between observers compared with length and width measurements. Descriptive ultrasonographical features, such as echogenicity of the gland, presence of hyperechoic spots or layering assessment, demonstrated satisfactory-to-good intra- and inter-observer agreement, whereas the shape assessment showed very poor inter-observer agreement. The results of this study describe a reliable scanning protocol that can be the basis for future adrenal ultrasonographical examinations for cats suspected of adrenal disease (eg, hyperaldosteronism, hyperadrenocorticism, sex hormone-producing tumours).
Evaluation of a novel feline AB blood typing device
Authors: Hourani Layla , Weingart Christiane , Kohn Barbara
Published: February 2014

This prospective study evaluated a novel immunochromatographic (IC) blood typing test for the AB blood group system. Typing was conducted comparatively on ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid-anticoagulated blood samples from 89 sick and 16 healthy cats with the IC test, as well as two tests as reference methods, a tube agglutination and a gel column test. The samples were between 0 and 10 days old (median 3 days) and were tested for haemolysis and agglutination; the packed cell volume ranged from 0.07 to 0.57 l/l (median 0.40 l/l). The reference methods agreed with each other in 100% of the test runs. Of the 85 samples tested as blood type A by the two reference methods, 80 were correctly identified by the IC test, four were misidentified as AB and one was rated inconclusive. All B samples were correctly typed. Two of the three AB samples were correctly identified by the IC test and one was rated inconclusive. The sample quality had no influence on test performance. Of 30 repeats, 28 were readable and showed agreement in 27 cases. The agreement of the IC test with the control methods was 96.1% for the 103 conclusive tests, and it showed high sensitivity and specificity for A and B antigen detection. It is suggested that AB results be reconfirmed with a laboratory method and that a ‘back-typing’ be performed with plasma from B samples to detect the presence of alloantibodies. Given its very good performance and ease of use, the IC test can be recommended for clinical settings.
Development of a first-responder dispatch system using a smartphone
Authors: Yonekawa Chikara , Suzukawa Masayuki , Yamashita Keisuke , Kubota Katsuaki , Yasuda Yasuharu , Kobayashi Akihiro , Matsubara Hiroki , Toyokuni Yoshiki
Published: February 2014

We constructed a prototype community first responder (CFR) dispatch system. The system sends incident information, including a map, to the chosen CFR's mobile phone. We tested it in a simulation of 30 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidents which had occurred in the town of Motegi during the previous year. Thirty off-duty firefighters acted as CFRs and were sent to the same locations. The mean response time (from the CFR receiving dispatch information to arrival at the scene) was 3 min 37s faster than the actual response time in the corresponding historical control, i.e. the response time was reduced by 36% ( P < 0.01). The median travel distance of the CFRs was 3.4 km and there was a positive correlation between response time and travel distance. The study showed that interactive communication between dispatcher and CFR was important for effective operation and that CFRs could reach an OHCA patient before the Emergency Medical Service arrives.
Quality assessment of X-rays interpreted via teleradiology for Médecins Sans Frontières
Authors: Spijker Saskia , Andronikou Savvas , Kosack Cara , Wootton Richard , Bonnet Maryline , Lemmens Nathalie
Published: February 2014

Summary

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a humanitarian organisation which provides emergency medical aid in challenging settings; field staff often diagnose and treat patients using limited resources and without the expertise of specialists. Teleradiology is available for MSF sites which use digital computed radiography (CR) imaging or conventional film and chemistry. We conducted a retrospective study of the quality of X-rays utilised by MSF for teleradiology diagnosis over a one-year period. All plain X-ray examinations referred for interpretation using two MSF teleradiology platforms in 2012 were assessed against 15 image criteria and further evaluated as being either diagnostic or non-diagnostic. The sites studied sent an average of 115 images (range 10-452). Images were a mixture of chest, skeletal and abdominal radiographs. The majority of the images were CR (n = 597, 74%). Three sites were MSF/Epicentre installed and operated (Epicentre is a research facility affiliated with MSF); five sites were operated by the ministry of health, imaging patients referred by MSF. The sites performing poorest for quality were all facilities which used film and chemistry (53% non-diagnostic images). The sites performing better for quality were facilities which used CR digital imaging (12% non-diagnostic images), two of which had also undergone radiographer training. Our study suggests that transitioning to CR digital imaging has the potential to improve image quality compared to film and chemistry. Radiography training should be made a priority for all sites with X-ray services. The continued utilisation of X-ray services by MSF where images have proven to be consistently poor should be re-considered.
Witnesses of a cultural crisis: Representations of media-related metaprocesses as professional metacriticism of arts and cultural journalism
Authors: Jaakkola Maarit
Published: February 2014

Arts and cultural journalism have been found in numerous debates during recent decades to struggle in the midst of a crisis. This article traces the recorded discourse of professionalism that considers cultural journalism to be in a state of decline. A literature review on academic research and contributions in public debates provides an insight into the ‘crisis talk’ of the last two decades and unveils general controversies in the development of the professional culture of cultural journalism. By mapping the discourse in terms of the unfavourable directions that the development of cultural journalism has moved in, the analysis constructs a model for the future research of this specialized branch of journalism.
Finding the optimal set points of a thermal and ventilation control system under changing outdoor weather conditions
Authors: Liu Hongbin , Lee SeungChul , Kim MinJeong , Shi Honglan , Kim Jeong Tai , Yoo ChangKyoo
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to propose a new multi-objective optimization (MOO) of a ventilation controller which finds the optimal set points for simultaneously improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) and increasing the energy efficiency in buildings under changes in outdoor air quality and climate change. The outdoor weather information, such as ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed, was applied and treated as external disturbances in the building system. Two control strategies including proportional-integral (PI) control and multivariate model predictive control (MPC) were implemented and compared while controlling the indoor air temperature and CO2 concentration in the targeted building system. A control performance assessment (CPA) technique was proposed and implemented for monitoring the MPC controller performance. With the goal of determining the optimal set points for the MPC controller, the multi-objective genetic algorithm was developed to enhance the energy consumption as well as to keep the IAQ within an acceptable range. The results indicate that the performance of the MPC controller with the optimized set points is superior to that of the PI controller in indoor building systems. More specifically, the MPC controller with the optimal set points for the indoor temperature and CO2 control could reduce energy consumption by 5.22% and CO2 content by 13.39% in comparison to the PI controller. In addition, the MPC controller equipped with MOO could be useful for building climate control depending on the variation of the outdoor air pollutants.
Depth video-based gait recognition for smart home using local directional pattern features and hidden Markov model
Authors: Uddin Md. Zia , Kim Jeong Tai , Kim Tae-Seong
Published: February 2014

Gait recognition at smart home is considered as a primary function of the smart system nowadays. The significance of gait recognition is high especially for the elderly as gait is one of the basic activities to promote and preserve their health. In this work, a novel method was proposed for human gait recognition by processing depth videos from a depth camera. The gait recognition method utilizes local directional patterns (LDPs) for local feature extraction from depth silhouettes and hidden Markov models (HMMs) for recognition. The LDP features were first extracted from the depth silhouettes of a human body from each frame of a video containing human gait. The dimension of the LDP features was reduced by principal component analysis. Then, each HMM was trained using the LDP features. Finally, the recognition was done with a maximum likelihood calculation of the trained HMMs of different gaits. We focused on training and recognizing two kinds of gaits here, namely, normal and abnormal. The proposed approach shows superior recognition performance over other traditional methods of gait recognition.
Application of Smart Frames to tall buildings with dual systems and with building frame systems
Authors: Park Seon-Chee , Hong Won-Kee , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the suitability and environmental friendliness of using hybrid pre-cast composite structural systems for use in apartment buildings. The hybrid pre-cast composite structural system was utilized in one apartment building. The application propriety and environmental friendliness of hybrid pre-cast composite structural systems were verified by comparison with a flat plate, reinforced concrete Rahmen frame. The hybrid pre-cast composite structural systems presented in this study can be used as a lateral Smart Frame and a gravity Smart Frame. The lateral Smart Frame with moment connections is used for dual systems, in which the moment frames should be able to resist at least 25% of the seismic design forces. Gravity Smart Frames with pin joints for building frame systems are essentially complete space frames providing supports for vertical loads. Seismic force resistance is provided by shear walls. The hybrid pre-cast composite structural system demonstrated its application propriety by its ability to reduce the quantity of construction material. According to the structural design results with hybrid pre-cast composite structural systems, less material was required per unit area compared with the flat plate and reinforced concrete Rahmen frame structures. This structural system can thus reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption, helping to preserve the environment.
Preoperative Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Exercise-induced Changes in Pulse Oximetry Predict Early Postoperative Respiratory Complications in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Fang Y. , Ma G. , Lou N. , Liao W. , Wang D.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Postoperative respiratory complications often arise in lung cancer patients after lung resection, although these are often difficult to predict. We sought to identify reliable predictors of early-onset postoperative respiratory complications in lung cancer patients who had moderate-to-severe preoperative respiratory impairment.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational study that included 107 consecutive lung cancer patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s <60% of predicted who were scheduled for thoracotomy and lung resection. Preoperative functional assessments included pulmonary function testing by spirometry, single breath diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Risk factors for early-onset postoperative respiratory complications that occurred within 30 days postoperatively were sought from among these pulmonary function testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing results.

Results:

By multivariable logistic regression, peak oxygen uptake (V′O2max%; p < 0.001) and the transcutaneous pulse oxygen saturation difference during load exercise (ΔSPO2%; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of postoperative respiratory complications. A receiver operating characteristic curve had an area under the curve of 0.846 for the combination of V′O2max% and ΔSPO2%, while the area under the curve with V′O2max% only was 0.726. From this, the probability of postoperative respiratory complications was [Formula: see text]. Pcomplication ≥ 0.202 for postoperative respiratory complications had a sensitivity of 80.8% and a specificity of 81.5%.

Conclusions:

For lung cancer patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s <60% of predicted, in addition to common preoperative tests, V′O2max% and ΔSPO2% may be an aid for predicting early-onset postoperative respiratory complications.
Operating on penetrating trauma to the mediastinal vessels
Authors: Yilmaz T. H. , Evers T. , Sussman M. , Vassiliu P. , Degiannis E. , Doll D.
Published: February 2014

Background and Aims:

Patients with penetrating trauma of the major vessels of the chest are infrequently encountered. This is due to the fact that the majority of these patients die on scene, as well as due to the overall dramatic decline in the incidence of penetrating trauma in the Western world. A certain proportion of survivors are physiologically stable and can be transferred to adequate care. Patients who are physiologically unstable must be dealt with by the surgeons available without delay. Rapid diagnosis and operation can salvage patients who would otherwise be lost, and all general surgeons should be capable of recognizing these injuries and intervening if a trauma and/or cardiothoracic surgeon is not immediately available.

Material and Methods:

Technical description of practical emergency surgery approaches to patients bleeding to death from penetrating mediastinal vessel injuries.

Results:

The scope of this review familiarizes the “uninitiated” surgeon with the operative management of this rare and lethal type of injuries. Technical aspects are described, and pitfalls as well as tips and tricks of the trade are discussed.

Conclusions:

Patients with penetrating injuries to the mediastinal vessels can be saved by swift and knowing operative management of this rare and lethal type of injuries, even if a trauma and/or cardiothoracic surgeon is not immediately available.
Coronary fistula with ventricular septal defect following chest trauma
Authors: Lone Reyaz A , Rahmath Muhammed R , Sallehuddin Ahmad , Aziz Syed Abdul
Published: February 2014

We report on a 51-year-old male who developed traumatic ventricular septal defect and coronary artery fistula after an industrial accident involving injury to his chest. The defects were initially haemodynamically non-significant but he progressively developed symptoms of heart failure with associated dilatation of left atrium and ventricle. The ventricular septal defect was diagnosed by echocardiography and the coronary artery fistula was identified by pre-operative angiography. Both defects were surgically repaired more than one year after the injury. A large muscular ventricular septal defect was patched and the coronary artery fistula was closed from within the right ventricle.
A computational chemistry approach for friction reduction of automotive engines
Authors: Morita Yusuke , Jinno Satoshi , Murakami Motoichi , Hatakeyama Nozomu , Miyamoto Akira
Published: February 2014

To improve the fuel efficiency of automobile internal combustion engines, the friction reduction of each engine moving part is important. Recently, carbon films have been attracting much interest as surface-coating materials due to its excellent properties such as low friction and good wear resistance. In this study, the low-friction mechanisms of carbon films were analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that the termination of OH groups on the surface of the diamond substantially reduced the friction coefficient from 0.07 to 0.01. This reduction was achieved because termination of OH groups weakened the covalent interaction between Fe and C atoms, which was indicated by density functional theory calculations. Additionally, based on the concept of terminating the OH groups on the surface of diamond-like carbon films, we carried out the reciprocating friction experiment between hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon surface and glycerin, which contains large number of OH groups. The friction coefficient of the glycerin was 0.028, much lower than that of the base oil, which was 0.075. The experiments confirmed that OH groups on the surface of hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon films greatly improved the friction properties of its films.
Strategies for customized shipbuilding with different customer order decoupling points
Authors: Semini Marco , Haartveit Dag E Gotteberg , Alfnes Erlend , Arica Emrah , Brett Per Olaf , Strandhagen Jan Ola
Published: February 2014

The ship design and construction industry serves a considerable range of market segments, with different levels of required customization, different demand volumes, and other product and market variations. In order to effectively respond to various market requirements, strategies and related work processes need to be differentiated. An important strategic concept to make distinctions among strategies is the customer order decoupling point, that is, the point in the value chain where the product is linked to a specific customer order. This article aims to analyse and compare strategies for customized, low-volume ship design and construction from the perspective of the customer order decoupling point and to link them to product and market characteristics. It is based on a case study at the Ulstein Group, an established Norwegian ship designer and builder. The study allowed us to define ‘customized design’ and ‘standardized design’ as two different strategies that fundamentally differ in terms of the customer order decoupling point. In the former, customized ships are offered in a process where most activities are driven by the expectations and requirements of a particular customer. In the latter, the customer is given only a limited choice of predefined, standardized, and well-proved options. We conclude that customer order decoupling point positions upstream in the value chain imply high levels of flexibility and customization, while downstream positions allow short lead times, high delivery precision, and lower prices. The customer order decoupling point perspective provides a useful framework in which to analyse the ship design and construction industry.
Natural vibration analysis of stiffened panels with arbitrary edge constraints using the assumed mode method
Authors: Cho Daeseung , Vladimir Nikola , Choi Taemuk
Published: February 2014

Natural vibration analysis of stiffened panels represents an important issue in different kinds of engineering applications. In this article, a procedure for the vibration analysis of stiffened panels with arbitrary edge constraints is presented. It is based on the assumed mode method, where natural frequencies and modes are determined by solving an eigenvalue problem of a multi-degree-of-freedom system matrix equation derived by using Lagrange’s equations of motion. The Mindlin thick plate theory is applied for a plate, while the effect of stiffeners having the properties of Timoshenko beams is accounted for by adding their strain and kinetic energies to the corresponding plate energies. The accuracy of the proposed procedure is justified by several numerical examples which include the natural vibration analysis of stiffened panels with different framing sizes, their lengths and orientations, plate thicknesses and different combinations of boundary conditions. A comparison of results with those obtained by the finite element method is provided, and good agreement is achieved.
Assessing air emissions for uncertain life-cycle scenarios via responsive systems comparison method
Authors: Gaspar Henrique M , Balland Océane , Aspen Dina M , Ross Adam M , Erikstad Stein Ove
Published: February 2014

A core aspect of assessing the environmental footprint of ships during the conceptual design phase is the estimation of the total air emission during the vessel life cycle. This process must take into account not only the design of an appropriate propulsion system and air emission controls but also the uncertainty related to changes in the vessel mission, such as future market conditions, new regulations, and contract opportunities. In this article, we model possible realizations of uncertain operational life-cycle scenarios using the responsive systems comparison method. This complex systems engineering method includes a strong emphasis on the structural and behavioral aspects of complexity, by mapping of function and form via machinery configuration variables and performance attributes. However, it also has the capacity to handle additional complexity aspects, discretizing the context into epoch variables, time into epochs and eras, and perception into utilities through the life cycle. We present a theoretical example related to the design of a general cargo container. The study illustrates the challenge in striking the correct balance between minimizing the emissions for an initial scenario, while providing additional performance capabilities to be efficient in the uncertainty of future market requirements.
Bayesian Cultural Consensus Theory
Authors: Oravecz Zita , Vandekerckhove Joachim , Batchelder William H.
Published: February 2014

In this article, we present a Bayesian inference framework for cultural consensus theory (CCT) models for dichotomous (True/False) response data and provide an associated, user-friendly software package along with a detailed user’s guide to carry out the inference. We believe that the time is ripe for Bayesian statistical inference to become the default choice in the field of CCT. Unfortunately, a lack of publications presenting a practical description of the Bayesian framework in the context of CCT models as well as a dearth of accessible software to apply Bayesian inference to CCT data has so far prevented this from happening. We introduce the Bayesian treatment of several CCT models, focusing on the various merits of Bayesian parameter estimation and interpretation of results, and also introduce the Bayesian Cultural Consensus Toolbox software package.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Boys’ Probability of Arrest and Court Actions in 1980 and 2000
Authors: Andersen Tia S. , Morash Merry
Published: February 2014

This study was designed to examine whether the shift in juvenile justice policy toward punitive sanctioning disproportionately impacted racial and ethnic minority boys. Using a nationally representative sample derived from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth 1979 and 1997 (NLSY79, NLSY97), this study examines 1980–2000 differences in contact with the justice system, controlling for self-reported delinquency. Results confirmed that boys in 2000 were significantly more likely than those in 1980 to report being charged with a crime. Once charged, they were less likely to be diverted and more likely to be convicted and placed in a correctional institution. Consideration of interaction effects revealed these effects were magnified for Black and Hispanic males. These findings provide evidence of a general trend toward more punitive treatment of boys in the juvenile justice system, especially racial and ethnic minority boys.
Walking the Line Between Employee and Intern
Authors: Lochmiller Chad R.
Published: February 2014

The case positions the reader as a faculty member who must advise a student who is struggling in his administrative internship. The case walks the reader through a set of internship experiences that place the intern in an increasingly uncomfortable position with his internship sponsor. These experiences encourage the reader to reflect on the responsibilities of the intern and the conflict that emerges when these responsibilities are not clear. The case is suitable for use in K-12 educational leadership programs, as well as in professional development for internship supervisors, for principals hosting administrative interns, or for faculty contemplating effective internship experiences for novice administrators.
Deconstructing Systems of Segregation
Authors: DeMatthews David
Published: February 2014

Special education policies can create structures of segregation and inequality. School leaders are often tasked with dismantling these structures while meeting expectations related to accountability policies. This case study involves a new principal at an urban school in a district with a long history of segregation reassigned to work at one of the more challenging schools in the district. The district had just begun making special education reforms across the district to increase the amount of access students with disabilities have in the general education classroom. The new principal was directed to raise student scores on state-mandated tests and to increase the inclusivity of the school. The case explores issues related to special education law, social justice leadership, response to intervention, school administration, and developing school culture.
Latina Students, an Early College High School, and Educational Opportunity
Authors: Locke Leslie Ann , Stedrak Luke J. , Eadens Daniel
Published: February 2014

This case traces the involvement of a principal of an Early College High School (ECHS) and her understanding of performance of Latina students attending the school. Latina students are the lowest academic performers in the ECHS, despite the school obtaining high accolades in terms of accountability. To best understand the phenomena of underperformance of Latina students, the principal hires a consultant. The consultant discovers aspects of the ECHS and aspects of schooling as experienced by the Latina students that contribute to underperformance. The case raises important issues for aspiring leaders, making it an excellent example of the complexities embedded in student achievement.
The Wall Between Church and State Begins to Crumble
Authors: Geier Brett A.
Published: February 2014

A small community in southwest Michigan has been witness to a significant cultural divide within its school system. An influential church has permeated school leadership and in many cases has overstepped the proverbial “wall separating church and state.” A fairly high-profile case saw the Sixth Circuit Court enjoin the district to remove a portrait of Jesus. Community members were divided on this issue, which led to mistrust between the two factions. The culture that was established caused a certain sectarian group to intensify their mission of disseminating their church doctrine throughout the community with the school as a vehicle for that message. The secular constituents were highly suspicious that their First Amendment rights were being infringed upon by the activities of secularists inside and outside the school. A contingent of school employees fostered the church’s mission with several members ignoring the wall of separation. The high school principal energized the debate when he elected to use the halftime of a sporting event to recognize the resigning athletic director by quoting scripture. Many were aghast that he would be so bold as to speak in such a manner, whereas others were euphoric that religion was infused in the public school. This case provides a practical examination of First Amendment practices in the public school and the opportunity to assess decision making through various organizational and ethical lenses.
Development and implementation of PROgmatic: A clinical trial management system for pragmatic multi-centre trials, optimised for electronic data capture and patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Cramon Per , Rasmussen Åse Krogh , Bonnema Steen Joop , Bjorner Jakob Bue , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Groenvold Mogens , Hegedüs Laszlo , Watt Torquil
Published: February 2014

Background

Many clinical trials are conducted as explanatory trials, but the applicability of results from explanatory trials to clinical practice may be questioned. Pragmatic trials elucidate both benefits and harms of an intervention under conditions close to daily clinical practice. We have planned a pragmatic multi-centre trial in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism. However, trial management is a complicated task in pragmatic trials, due to limited interaction between participants and trial personnel.

Purpose

The aim of this project was to develop and implement PROgmatic, a fully integrated trial management system for pragmatic multi-centre trials, optimised for electronic data capture and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

Necessary tasks and logistical challenges that should be handled by PROgmatic were identified, and the system was designed and developed to handle these tasks. A combination of generic applications and custom coding was applied to develop an integrated system that met the required needs. PROgmatic features include secure web-based data entry; electronic case report forms (eCRFs); central participant registration and randomisation; automated emails linking to electronic PROs; automated reminders to participants; automated notifications to trial personnel regarding booking of trial visits, safety and compliance alerts; and monitoring of trial progress. PROgmatic underwent rigorous pilot testing, including data verification and validation, before it was released for trial management.

Results

PROgmatic was successfully implemented in the GRAves’ Selenium Supplementation (GRASS) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01611896) December 2012. The feedback from trial personnel on usability and utility has been positive, and PROgmatic has handled all intended tasks properly.

Limitations

Implementation of PROgmatic in future studies requires adaptation of the custom coding. Not all email systems accept emails with active links, and participants who use these systems therefore need to complete paper surveys.

Conclusions

PROgmatic facilitated the complex task of conducting a pragmatic multi-centre trial. The automated electronic capture of PRO data is time saving and reduces the risk of erroneous data entry. Email notifications to trial personnel combined with serially activated eCRFs that logically lead patient flow through the trial have helped making the pragmatic trial feasible. PROgmatic provides a template for other pragmatic multi-centre trials with patient-reported measures as high-priority outcomes.
Wellness Promotion
Authors: Walker Jacqueline Renee
Published: February 2014

Students and staff of all ages look to school nurses as authorities on health and wellness. Health promotion and wellness education are school nursing practices that have the potential for continuous impact on students. School nurses have the critical responsibility of acknowledging their influences on the health behavior of others and are called to take ownership of the essential role of modeling wellness.
Risk factors for the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in Barrett's oesophagus: a UK primary care retrospective nested case–control study
Authors: Cooper SC , Menon S , Nightingale PG , Trudgill NJ
Published: February 2014

Background

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) incidence is rising rapidly and prognosis remains poor. Endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus (BO) remains controversial.

Objective

A nested case–control study was undertaken to evaluate risk factors for progression of BO to OAC, potentially guiding surveillance efforts.

Methods

The Health Improvement Network database includes general practitioner consultations from 5 million UK subjects. BO subjects with 1‐year minimum of follow up were followed until development of OAC or end of time on database. Demographic variables (age, gender, smoking, body mass index) and data on medication considered negatively (aspirin/nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs/proton pump inhibitors) or positively associated (lower oesophageal sphincter‐relaxing and asthma drugs) with OAC development were studied. Cox regression analysis‐derived hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals estimated the relative risk for OAC progression.

Results

A total of 3749 BO subjects were studied: 55 developed OAC during 17,743 patient years of follow up, a progression rate of 0.3% per annum. There was 96.7% of the cohort who took proton‐pump inhibitors, with no association observed. Increasing age (1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p  = 0.005), male gender (3.06, 95% CI 1.50–6.24, p  = 0.002), and having ever smoked (2.36, 95% CI 1.13–4.93, p  = 0.023) were associated with progression to OAC, (although smoking lost association on multivariate analysis). Increasing number of drugs used for asthma (2.91, 95% CI 1.10–7.68, p = 0.0314) was also associated.

Conclusion

In this nested case–control study of BO, male gender, increasing age, and increasing use of asthma drugs were associated with progression to OAC.
Maintaining Art-World Membership
Authors: Anthony Amanda Koontz , Schrock Douglas
Published: February 2014

In this article, we examine how a group of aging black artists, labeled The Florida Highwaymen, maintained membership in a self-taught art world. Based on fieldwork, interviews, and Web sites, we analyze how the artists constructed identities in ways that enabled them to continue benefiting from the art world, even when they appeared in violation of membership criteria or codes. Such identity work involved affiliating with the artist collective, aligning with the self-taught identity code, and denying and reframing code violations. Rather than adopting racist imagery employed by art-world insiders, they drew from color-blind tactics and cultural discourses to maintain membership in the self-taught art world, and their dignity. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of an identity work approach for the sociology of art worlds and has implications for exploring how people construct selves to maintain membership benefits in other social arenas.
Global Tides
Authors: Connell Raewyn
Published: February 2014

Sociology may be heading for a marginal place in a market-dominated world. If it is to do more, it must address major questions about the social world now coming into existence. One of these is the relationship of gender dynamics to neoliberalism. Neoliberalism has to be understood on a world scale, not just as an export of globalNorth preoccupations. Older models of the relationship between capitalism and gender, built on systems models of both, need to be replaced in the light of the coloniality of gender. Researchers across the global South are opening up new perspectives on gender and power; new dynamics of change are visible in transnational arenas created by empire and neoliberal globalization.
Accelerated senescence of cord blood endothelial progenitor cells in premature neonates is driven by SIRT1 decreased expression
Authors: Vassallo Paula Frizera , Simoncini Stéphanie , Ligi Isabelle , Chateau Anne-Line , Bachelier Richard , Robert Stéphane , Morere Julia , Fernandez Samantha , Guillet Benjamin , Marcelli Maxime , Tellier Edwige , Pascal Alain , Simeoni Umberto , Anfosso Francine , Magdinier Frédérique , Dignat-George Françoise , Sabatier Florence
Published: February 2014

Key Points

We demonstrate that PT promotes ECFCs dysfunction by inducing stress-induced premature senescence. Our data reveal that SIRT1 deficiency drives PT-ECFC senescence, and acts as a critical determinant of the PT-ECFC angiogenic defect.
The role of KIR genes and their cognate HLA class I ligands in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: de Smith Adam J. , Walsh Kyle M. , Ladner Martha B. , Zhang Siming , Xiao Carmen , Cohen Franziska , Moore Theodore B. , Chokkalingam Anand P. , Metayer Catherine , Buffler Patricia A. , Trachtenberg Elizabeth A. , Wiemels Joseph L.
Published: February 2014

Key Points

Carrying the KIR A/A genotype contributes to risk of childhood ALL, particularly in Hispanics.
High number of diarrhoeal co-infections in travellers to Benin, West Africa
Authors: Lääveri Tinja , Pakkanen Sari H , Antikainen Jenni , Riutta Jukka , Mero Sointu , Kirveskari Juha , Kantele Anu
Published: February 2014

Background

Travellers’ diarrhoea (TD) is the most frequent health problem among travellers to the tropics. Using routine techniques, the aetiology mostly remains unresolved, whereas modern molecular methods enable reducing the number of equivocal cases considerably. While many studies address the aetiology of TD in Asian, Central American and North African tourist resorts, only few focus on Western Africa.

Methods

Stool samples from 45 travellers travelling in Benin, West Africa, were analyzed by a new multiplex qPCR assay for Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella or enteroinvasive (EIEC), enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC), enterotoxigenic (ETEC), enteroaggregative (EAEC), and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC).

Results

All 18 pre-travel samples proved negative for bacterial pathogens. Of the 39/45 (87%) travellers having had TD, EPEC was detected in post-travel samples in 30 (77%) cases, EAEC in 23 (59%), ETEC in 22 (56%), Shigella or EIEC in 7 (18%), EHEC in two (5%), and Salmonella in one (3%). In 31(79%) of the TD cases two or more bacterial pathogens were identified. Two (8%) samples remained negative: both patients had taken antimicrobials for TD.

Conclusions

EPEC, EAEC and ETEC were the most common findings. 79% of the cases had a co-infection. As modern diagnostics reveals in most patients a multitude of pathogens, the role of each pathogen should be re-evaluated.
Prevalence of congenital heart defect in Guangdong province, 2008-2012
Authors: Wu Li , Li Bing , Xia Jianhong , Ji Cunwei , Liang Zhijiang , Ma Yuanzhu , Li Shiyun , Wu Yuntao , Wang Youjie , Zhao Qingguo
Published: February 2014

Background

Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common major malformations in infants. Little is known about the main epidemiologic characteristics of CHD prevalence in Guangdong province, China. Our study was undertaken to investigate the time trends in the prevalence of CHD in Guangdong province from 2008 to 2012.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the Guangdong Hospital-Based Birth Defects Monitoring System during 2008–2012. All infants more than 28 weeks of gestation and infants up to 7 days of age in monitoring hospitals were monitored. We used prevalence rate to describe the difference in prevalence of CHD between rural and urban areas. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for CHD were calculated for the rural and urban areas. The CHD rate was calculated on the basis of birth defects per 10,000 births.

Results

A total of 1005052 births were reported to the Birth Defects Monitoring Network of Guangdong Province, of which 5268 cases were diagnosed as CHD. The overall prevalence of CHD was 52.41 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 51.00 ~ 53.83) in provincial-wide, 66.08 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 63.77 ~ 68.39) in urban areas, and 40.23 per 10 000 births (95% CI: 38.52 ~ 41.93) in rural areas. The prevalence of CHD increased with maternal age both in urban areas (P < 0.01) and in rural areas (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The increasing trends of CHD prevalence suggest that maternal age and the improvement of diagnosis ability might play a critical role.
Advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants and cancer prevention and screening: a systematic review
Authors: Smith Alexandria A , Kepka Deanna , Yabroff K Robin
Published: February 2014

Background

For more than two decades, integration of team-based approaches in primary care, including physicians, advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants (APRN/PA), have been recommended for improving healthcare delivery, yet little is known about their roles in cancer screening and prevention. This study aims to review the current literature on the participation and roles of APRN/PAs in providing cancer screening and prevention recommendations in primary care settings in the United States.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and CINAHL to identify studies published in 1990–2011 reporting on cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening and smoking cessation, diet, and physical activity recommendations by APRN/PAs in the United States. A total of 15 studies met all of our eligibility criteria. Key study, provider, and patient characteristics were abstracted as were findings about APRN/PA recommendations for screening and prevention.

Results

Most studies were cross-sectional, showed results from within a single city or state, had relatively small sample sizes, reported non-standardized outcome measures. Few studies reported any patient characteristics. APRN/PAs are involved in recommending cancer screening and prevention, although we found variation across screening tests and health behavior recommendations.

Conclusions

Additional research on the cancer prevention and screening practices of APRN/PAs in primary care settings using standardized outcome measures in relation to evidence-based guidelines may help strengthen primary care delivery in the United States.
Preoperative thrombocytosis is a significant unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kim Miso , Chang Hyun , Yang Hee Chul , Kim Yu Jung , Lee Choon-Taek , Lee Jae-Ho , Jheon Sanghoon , Kim Kwhanmien , Chung Jin-Haeng , Lee Jong Seok
Published: February 2014

Background

Previous studies have reported that pretreatment thrombocytosis is associated with poor outcomes in several cancer types. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative thrombocytosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who undergo surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 199 patients who underwent R0 resection for NSCLC between May 2003 and July 2006 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.

Results

The frequency of preoperative thrombocytosis was 7.5% (15/199). Patients with preoperative thrombocytosis had shorter overall survival (OS, P = 0.003) and disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.005) than those without thrombocytosis. In multivariable analysis, patients with preoperative thrombocytosis had a significantly greater risk of death and recurrence than those without preoperative thrombocytosis (risk of death: hazard ratio (HR) 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39 to 6.37, P = 0.005; risk of recurrence: HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.22 to 5.01, P = 0.012). A tendency towards a shorter OS and DFS was observed in three patients with persistent thrombocytosis during the follow-up period when compared with those of patients who recovered from thrombocytosis after surgery.

Conclusions

Preoperative thrombocytosis was valuable for predicting the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Special attention should be paid to patients with preoperative and postoperative thrombocytosis.
Cholera transmission dynamic models for public health practitioners
Authors: Fung Isaac Chun-Hai
Published: February 2014

Great progress has been made in mathematical models of cholera transmission dynamics in recent years. However, little impact, if any, has been made by models upon public health decision-making and day-to-day routine of epidemiologists. This paper provides a brief introduction to the basics of ordinary differential equation models of cholera transmission dynamics. We discuss a basic model adapted from Codeço (2001), and how it can be modified to incorporate different hypotheses, including the importance of asymptomatic or inapparent infections, and hyperinfectious V. cholerae and human-to-human transmission. We highlight three important challenges of cholera models: (1) model misspecification and parameter uncertainty, (2) modeling the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions and (3) model structure. We use published models, especially those related to the 2010 Haitian outbreak as examples. We emphasize that the choice of models should be dictated by the research questions in mind. More collaboration is needed between policy-makers, epidemiologists and modelers in public health.