bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Deficiency Is Associated with Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Malo Jagannath , Alam Md. Jahangir , Shahnaz Munjareen , Kaliannan Kanakaraju , Chandra Gopal , Aziz Tarek , Sarker Tapas , Bala Mihir , Paul Ratna , Saha Chandan K. , Karmakar Pradip K. , Malo Madhu S.
Published: December 2019

Background. We have previously shown that the deficiency of the gut enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in humans, and mice deficient in IAP develop the metabolic syndrome, a precipitant of T2DM and ischemic heart disease (IHD). We hypothesized that IAP deficiency might also be associated with IHD in humans. We aimed to determine the correlation between the IAP level and IHD in humans. Methods and Results. The IHD patients were recruited from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the control healthy participants were recruited from a suburban community of Dhaka. We determined the IAP level in the stools of 292 IHD patients (187 males, 105 females) and 331 healthy control people (84 males, 247 females). We found that compared to controls, IHD patients have approx. 30% less IAP (mean±SEM: 63.7±3.5 vs. 44.9±2.1 U/g stool, respectively; p<0.000001), which indicates that IAP deficiency is associated with IHD, and a high level of IAP is probably protective against IHD in humans. The adjusted generalized linear model (GLM) of regression analysis predicted a strong association of IAP with IHD (p=0.0035). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an independent inverse relationship between the IAP level and the IHD status (odds ratio, OR=0.993 with 95% CI 0.987-0.998; p<0.01). Conclusions. IAP deficiency is associated with IHD, and a high level of IAP might be protective against IHD.
Antimicrobial Properties of Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Jiménez-Gastélum Germán R. , Aguilar-Medina Elsa M. , Soto-Sainz Eduardo , Ramos-Payán Rosalío , Silva-Benítez Erika L.
Published: December 2019

The necessity to manufacture graft materials with superior biocompatibility capabilities and biodegradability characteristics for tissue regeneration has led to the production of extracellular matrix- (ECM-) based scaffolds. Among their advantages are better capacity to allow cell colonization, which enables its successful integration into the tissue surrounding the area to be repaired. In addition, it has been shown that some of these scaffolds have antimicrobial activity, preventing possible infections; therefore, it could be used as an alternative to control surgical infection and decrease the use of antimicrobial agents. The purpose of this review is to collect the existing information about antimicrobial activity of the ECM and their components.
Neurosurgical Management of Lateral Meningocele Syndrome: A Clinical Update for the Pediatric Neurosurgeon
Authors: Cuoco Joshua A. , Klein Brendan J. , Busch Christopher M. , Gosnell Hailey L. , Kar Ayesha , Marvin Eric A. , Apfel Lisa S.
Published: December 2019

Background: Lateral meningocele syndrome (LMS) is an exceedingly rare connective tissue disease with phenotypic anomalies similar to those seen in Marfan syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. However, this syndrome is invariably associated with the presence of multiple lateral thoracolumbar spinal meningoceles: a distinct point of phenotypic divergence from other connective tissue disorders. The etiopathogenesis of this syndrome has recently been linked to truncating mutations within exon 33 of NOTCH3. Despite numerous reports, neurosurgical management of multiple spinal meningoceles remains poorly defined in the literature. We conducted a literature review to provide insight into the nosology, clinical significance, and neurosurgical management strategies of this distinct connective tissue disorder. Summary: Our literature search revealed 11 articles (16 cases) of LMS, which included 9 males and 7 females, belonging to 14 different families. Half of these cases underwent genetic screening: all of which were discovered to exhibit a truncating mutation within exon 33 of NOTCH3. All patients exhibited multiple lateral thoracolumbar spinal meningoceles with craniofacial dysmorphisms. Other clinical characteristics included pathologic changes in spine morphology, Chiari I malformation, syringomyelia, hydrocephalus, and tethered cord. Operative management of multiple spinal meningoceles in LMS is complicated by the presence of such coexisting structural neurologic pathologies, which may alter cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics and, ultimately, impact operative intervention. Key Messages: LMS is an exceedingly rare connective tissue disorder with severe spinal dural involvement. Neurosurgical management of multiple spinal meningoceles is complex, which is further complicated by the presence of coexisting neuropathology, such as pathologic transformation of spine morphology and Chiari I malformation. Patients with a connective tissue disorder phenotype found to have multiple spinal meningoceles on imaging studies may benefit from evaluation by a medical geneticist and a pediatric neurosurgeon.
Acoustic Characteristics of Rhotic Vowel Productions of Young Children
Authors: Chung Hyunju , Pollock Karen E.
Published: December 2019

Aims: This study examined the acoustic characteristics of perceptually acceptable rhotic vowels produced by young children with and without speech sound disorders (SSDs). Productions were analyzed in relation to the overall rhotic proficiency level of each child, as determined by rhotic vowel and consonant accuracy. The effect of the surrounding phonetic contexts on acoustic realization of rhotic vowels was also examined. Methods: Participants included 18 children aged 2–6 years with and without SSD, grouped by overall rhotic sound proficiency (high rhotic proficiency: ≥70% correct rhotic consonants and vowels; intermediate rhotic proficiency: ≤30% correct rhotic consonants, but ≥70% correct rhotic vowels; low rhotic proficiency: ≤30% correct rhotic consonants and vowels). Target sounds included stressed and unstressed rhotic monophthongs ([ɝ] and [ɚ], respectively) and 4 rhotic diphthongs that differ by pre-rhotic vowel type (/ɪ͡ɚ/, /ɛ͡ɚ/, /ɔ͡ɚ/, /ɑ͡ɚ/). F3 and F3-F2 measures were compared across groups and contexts. Results: No significant differences in F3 and F3-F2 by rhotic sound proficiency group were found in rhotic vowels produced by children with above 70% rhotic vowel accuracy, regardless of their proficiency with rhotic consonants. Acoustic patterns differed by phonetic contexts, but the effect varied by rhotic sound proficiency group. Conclusion: Results showed that once children learn to produce rhotic vowels, they show a comparable degree of rhoticity as those produced by children with high rhotic vowel and consonant accuracy. Results also suggest that rhotic sounds develop earlier in certain phonetic contexts than in others (e.g., [ɝ] before [ɚ]; /ɪ͡ɚ/ and /ɑ͡ɚ/ before /ɔ͡ɚ/).
Histological Equivalence of a Hyper-Dry Amniotic Membrane and the Ambio2TM after Implantation in the Rabbit Conjunctiva
Authors: Miyakoshi Akio , Nishida Yasuhiko , Tanaka Atsushi , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: December 2019

Purpose: A hyper-dry amniotic membrane (HDAM) has been used clinically for ocular surface reconstruction, but sufficient evidence of the histological dynamics and long-term safety have not been obtained. We examined the histological changes in an HDAM after its subconjunctival implantation in rabbit eyes, and we compared these changes to those in the Ambio2TM Amniotic Membrane Graft (IOP Ophthalmics, Costa Mesa, CA, USA) after the same surgery. Design: A prospective controlled animal study. Methods: We used 27 rabbits in two groups: the HDAM group (36 eyes of 18 rabbits) and the Ambio2 group (18 eyes of 9 rabbits). The HDAM or Ambio2 was transplanted on the bare sclera and covered with a conjunctival autograft. The histological changes were determined by evaluating the amniotic membrane graft, inflammatory cells, and foreign body granulomas in hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections at 30 days, 93 days, and 184 days postoperatively. Results: In all cases, the amniotic membrane graft was completely absorbed without scarring at 184 days postoperatively. The positive rate of inflammatory cells was significantly higher in the HDAM group compared to the Ambio2 group at 30 days postoperatively. The positive rate of foreign body granulomas decreased with time, with no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Both the HDAM and Ambio2 were completely absorbed without scarring within 6 months after surgery. The two types of membranes showed histologically equivalent responses. Translational Relevance: Since the HDAM was completely absorbed without scarring within 6 months after surgery, we could confirm its long-term safety.
Endoscopic Management of Sigmoid Volvulus in a Debilitated Population: What Relevance?
Authors: da Rocha Manuel Coelho , Capela Tiago , Silva Mário Jorge , Ramos Gonçalo , Coimbra João
Published: December 2019

Background: Colonic volvulus, mainly from the sigmoid, is a relatively common cause of intestinal obstruction, particularly in the elderly and in patients with debilitating conditions. The high morbi-mortality of emergency surgery places the endoscopic approach as the first-line treatment for the resolution of this acute obstructive condition. Objectives: To assess the importance of endoscopic treatment for the resolution of colonic volvulus in a debilitated population. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of emergency lower gastrointestinal endoscopies in patients with colonic volvulus as diagnosis, performed over a 9-year period (2009–2018), as well as population characterization and follow-up after the first exam. Results: We performed 88 procedures in 52 patients (56.4% males, median age 83 years, range 33–94). Endoscopic resolution was effective in 86.4% (76/88) of the exams, without procedure complications. Eighty-one percent of patients presented with volvulus recurrence, 50% of which occurred during the 3 months after the initial procedure. Twenty-one were submitted to surgery, 12 of which were emergency procedures after endoscopic failure as the primary treatment (5 of which had mucosal necrosis at endoscopy). There was no mortality in elective surgery. In the emergency plus necrosis group, mortality was 60% (3/5) and 14.3% (1/7) in the emergency without necrosis group. Conclusions: Despite the high recurrence of volvulus after endoscopic treatment, it seems to be an adequate and low-risk first-line therapy for sigmoid volvulus in debilitated patients, allowing improvement of surgical conditions.
Research Themes and Trends in Ten Top-Ranked Nephrology Journals: A Text Mining Analysis
Authors: Zengul Ferhat D. , Lee Timmy , Delen Dursun , Almehmi Ammar , Ivankova Nataliya V. , Mehta Tapan , Topuz Kazim
Published: December 2019

Background: Nephrology research is expanding, and harnessing the much-needed information and data for the practice of evidence-based medicine is becoming more challenging. In this study, we used the natural language processing and text mining approach to mitigate some of these challenges. Methods: We analyzed 17,412 abstracts from the top-10 nephrology journals over 10 years (2007–2017) by using latent semantic analysis and topic analysis. Results: The analyses revealed 10 distinct topics (T) for nephrology research ranging from basic science studies, using animal modeling (T-1), to dialysis vascular access-related issues ­(T-10). The trend analyses indicated that while the majority of topics stayed relatively stable, some of the research topics experienced increasing popularity over time such as studies focusing on mortality and survival (T-4) and Patient-related Outcomes and Perspectives of Clinicians (T-5). However, some research topics such as studies focusing on animal modeling (T-1), predictors of acute kidney injury, and dialysis access (T-10) exhibited a downward trend. Conclusion: Stakeholders of nephrology research may use these trends further to develop priorities and enrich the research agenda for the future.
Vitamin D Levels, Frequency of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms, and Associations with Overweight and Asthma in Brazilian Schoolchildren
Authors: Rodrigues Simões Tania Mara , da Silva Rosangela , Bianco Bianca , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Solé Dirceu , Oselka Saccardo Sarni Roseli
Published: December 2019

Background: In children, nutritional status of vitamin D (vitD), frequency of vitD receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and their associations with overweight and asthma remain controversial. Objectives: To evaluate the nutritional status of vitD and the frequency of VDR gene polymorphisms, as well as identify their associations with nutritional status and asthma. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with schoolchildren (n = 262; mean age = 8.7 ± 1.3 years). Clinical history, anthropometric measurements, and serum 25-hydroxy vitD were evaluated. Four VDR gene polymorphisms were identified and genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes were calculated. Results: The serum vitD levels were found at 85.1%, within normal range. The FokI AA genotype was more frequent in asthmatics compared to healthy controls (10 vs. 1%, p < 0.05), while the GG genotype was less frequent (45.0 vs. 55.2%, p < 0.05). The frequency of the TT allele for the ApaI was higher among asthmatic eutrophic children (60.9 vs. 29.4%, p < 0.05) and that of the TT allele for the BsmI was higher among asthmatic overweight children (35.3 vs. 4.4%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Insufficiency in vitD was low. Two wild-type alleles (AA) of FokI were identified as risk factor for the development of asthma, while GG alleles appears to be a protective factor. To have polymorphic alleles (TT) of ApaI seems to be a risk factor for asthma in children with normal weight, while that of BsmI seems to be a risk factor for asthma in overweight condition. Serum vitD was not different among analyzed genotypes.
ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ СИСТЕМИ ПЕРВИННОЇ МЕДИКО-САНІТАРНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ НА ЗАСАДАХ СІМЕЙНОЇ МЕДИЦИНИ ТА РОЛЬ МЕДИЧНОЇ СЕСТРИ
Authors: Yakovleva O. G.
Published: December 2019

У статті висвітлено основні підходи та вимоги до переходу надання первинної медико-санітарної допомоги населенню, основні функції та роль медичної сестри загальної практики – сімейної медицини в задоволенні потреб пацієнтів та необхідності формування її професійно-педагогічної компетентності як основи етико-деонтологічної та професійної діяльності.
Utility of 30-Day Continuous Ambulatory Monitoring to Identify Patients With Delayed Occurrence of Atrioventricular Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Tian Ying , Padmanabhan Deepak , McLeod Christopher J. , Zhang Pei , Xiao Peilin , Sandhu Gurpreet S. , Greason Kevin L. , Gulati Rajiv , Nkomo Vuyisile T. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Polk Lynn E. , Sanvick Carrie , Liu Xing-Peng , Friedman Paul A. , Cha Yong-Mei
Published: December 2019

Background:

Mechanical injury in the conduction system requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure is a common complication. The objective of this study was to use ambulatory monitor BodyGuardian to assess late occurrence of atrioventricular block (AVB) after TAVR.

Methods:

This prospective study evaluated 365 patients who underwent TAVR at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota between June 2016 and August 2017. Patients who received PPM for bradycardia after TAVR before discharge were considered as the PPM group. Those not requiring PPM received a BodyGuardian system (BodyGuardian group) for 30 days of continuous monitoring. Primary end point was Mobitz II or third-degree atrioventricular block (II/III AVB) at 30-day follow-up.

Results:

Of 365 patients, 74 who had a PPM or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator before TAVR and 94 who were enrolled in other studies were excluded. Of 197 patients enrolled in the study, 70 (35.5%) received PPM and 127 had BodyGuardian before the hospital dismissal. Eleven of 127 (8.6%) BodyGuardian group required PPM within 30 days after TAVR for late occurrence of symptomatic bradycardia. In total, 33 of 197 (16.7%) patients developed II/III AVB (24 before and 9 after discharge). Thirty-four patients had preexisting right bundle branch block. Of them, 16 (47%) developed II/III AVB. Of 53 patients who developed new left bundle branch block after TAVR, 14% progressed to II/III AVB within 30 days.

Conclusions:

In patients without a standard post-TAVR pacing indication, yet a potential risk to develop AVB, a strategy of 30-day monitoring identifies additional patients who require permanent pacing.
Pivotal Study of Endovenous Stent Placement for Symptomatic Iliofemoral Venous Obstruction
Authors: Razavi Mahmood K. , Black Stephen , Gagne Paul , Chiacchierini Richard , Nicolini Phillipe , Marston William ,   on behalf of the VIRTUS Investigators
Published: December 2019

Background:

Chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by inadequate venous return from the lower extremities, which may arise from intravenous obstruction after deep vein thrombosis or from extrinsic venous compression. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of a dedicated endovenous stent for symptomatic iliofemoral venous obstruction.

Methods:

The VIRTUS trial (VIRTUS Safety and Efficacy of the Veniti Vici Venous Stent System [Veniti, Inc] When Used to Treat Clinically Significant Chronic Non-Malignant Obstruction of the Iliofemoral Venous Segment) was a prospective, international, single-arm, pivotal study of endovenous stent placement in patients with symptomatic iliofemoral venous obstruction. Patients included those with ≥50% obstruction on venography and Clinical, Etiology, Anatomic, Pathophysiology clinical classification ≥3, or at least moderate leg pain with a Venous Clinical Severity Score of 2 or greater. All patients were treated with a self-expanding nitinol stent developed for dedicated use in the venous system (Vici Venous Stent System, Veniti, Inc/Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). Patients returned for clinical and imaging follow-up visits at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year. The primary safety outcome was freedom from major adverse events at 30 days. The primary effectiveness outcome was venographic primary patency at 1-year. Adverse events were adjudicated by a Clinical Events Committee, and all imaging including venograms, intravascular ultrasound, and Doppler examinations were assessed by respective core laboratories.

Results:

Between March 2015 and November 2016, 170 patients (127 chronic post-thrombotic, mean age 54 years, 56.4% female) at 22 sites underwent endovenous stent placement. Mean diameter stenosis was 78%, with 31.2% total occlusions. Mean lesion length was 111.3 mm, range 10 to 260 mm (mean 125.3 mm for post-thrombotic patients and 70.2 mm for nonthrombotic patients). Freedom from a major adverse event through 30 days was 98.8%. The 1-year primary patency rate for the entire group was 84.0%. Venographic patency rates for the nonthrombotic and chronic post-thrombotic groups were 96.2% and 79.8%, respectively. At 12 months, 64% (85/132) of patients demonstrated at least a 3-point reduction in Venous Clinical Severity Score.

Conclusions:

Twelve-month safety and effectiveness were demonstrated with the use of a dedicated venous stent to treat symptomatic iliofemoral venous obstructions, with reductions in clinical symptoms and improvements in quality of life, through 1-year follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02112877.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Prognosis of Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome Based on Different Triggers: Importance of the Physical Nature
Authors: Uribarri Aitor , Núñez‐Gil Iván J. , Conty D. Aritza , Vedia Oscar , Almendro‐Delia Manuel , Duran Cambra Albert , Martin‐Garcia Agustin C. , Barrionuevo‐Sánchez Marisa , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Raposeiras‐Roubín Sergio , Guillén Marta , Garcia Acuña Jose Maria , Matute‐Blanco Lucía , Linares Vicente José A. , Sánchez Grande Flecha Alejandro , Andrés Mireia , Pérez‐Castellanos Alberto , Lopez‐Pais Javier ,   on behalf of the RETAKO Investigators
Published: December 2019

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (
TTS
) is an acute reversible heart condition initially believed to represent a benign pathology attributable to its self‐limiting clinical course; however, little is known about its prognosis based on different triggers. This study compared short‐ and long‐term outcomes between
TTS
based on different triggers, focusing on various physical triggering events.

Methods and Results

We analyzed patients with a definitive
TTS
diagnosis recruited for the Spanish National Registry on
TTS
(RETAKO [Registry on Takotsubo Syndrome]). Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were compared between different groups according to triggering factors. A total of 939 patients were included. An emotional trigger was detected in 340 patients (36.2%), a physical trigger in 293 patients (31.2%), and none could be identified in 306 patients (32.6%). The main physical triggers observed were infections (30.7%), followed by surgical procedures (22.5%), physical activities (18.4%), episodes of severe hypoxia (18.4%), and neurological events (9.9%).
TTS
triggered by physical factors showed higher mortality in the short and long term, and within this group, patients whose physical trigger was hypoxia were those who had a worse prognosis, in addition to being triggered by physical factors, including age >70 years, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular eyection fraction <30% and shock on admission, and increased long‐term mortality risk.

Conclusions

TTS
triggered by physical factors could present a worse prognosis in terms of mortality. Under the
TTS
label, there could be as yet undiscovered very different clinical profiles, whose differentiation could lead to individual better management, and therefore the perception of
TTS
as having a benign prognosis should be generally ruled out.
Platelet indices in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – association with inflammatory markers, comorbidities and therapy
Authors: Hlapčić Iva , Somborac-Bačura Anita , Rumora Lada , Žanić Grubišić Tihana , Rako Ivana , Rogić Dunja , Vukić Dugac Andrea , Popović-Grle Sanja
Published: December 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex inflammatory condition that can affect haemostasis. This study aimed to determine differences in platelet-related parameters between controls and COPD subjects. The hypothesis was that platelet indices are disturbed in COPD patients, and this would be accompanied by increased C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (Fbg) and white blood cells (WBC). Therefore, platelet count (Plt), platelet-related parameters – mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (Pct), their ratios (MPV/Plt, MPV/Pct, PDW/Plt, PDW/Pct), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Plt index as well as CRP, Fbg and WBC were assessed.
Materials and methods: Study included 109 patients with stable COPD and 95 control subjects, recruited at Clinical Department for Lung Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb (Zagreb, Croatia). Complete blood count was performed on Sysmex XN-1000, CRP on Cobas c501, and Fbg on BCS XP analyser. Data were analysed with MedCalc statistical software.
Results: Platelet (P = 0.007) and PLR (P = 0.006) were increased, while other platelet indices were decreased in COPD patients compared to controls. Combined model that included PLR, PDW and WBC showed great diagnostic performances, and correctly classified 75% of cases with an AUC of 0.845 (0.788 – 0.892), P < 0.001. Comorbidities (cardiovascular or metabolic diseases) had no effect on investigated parameters, while inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β2-agonists (ICS/LABA) therapy increased MPV and PDW values in COPD patients.
Conclusion: Platelet indices were altered in COPD patients and they could be valuable as diagnostic markers of COPD development, especially if combined with already known inflammatory markers.
A new species of the hairy crab genus Pilumnus (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pilumnidae) from Belize
Authors: MAGALHÃES TATIANA , FELDER DARRYL L.
Published: December 2019

A new species of the pilumnid crab genus Pilumnus Leach, 1815, P. mantelattoi n. sp., is described and illustrated on the basis of a single ovigerous female specimen from Belize, bordering the northwestern Caribbean Sea. The holotype, an ovigerous female, was taken from an epifaunal accumulation of sponges, ascidians, and hydroids on red mangrove roots suspended in the water column. Superficially resembling Pilumnus floridanus Stimpson, 1871, with which it occurs sympatrically, it is distinguished from this and all other known western Atlantic species on the basis of both morphology and molecular markers.
A new species of Xenylla Tullberg, 1869 (Collembola: Hypogastruridae) from Peru, with a key to Neotropical species of the genus
Authors: STERNALSKI JAKUB , PAŚNIK GRZEGORZ
Published: December 2019

A new species belonging to genus Xenylla Tullberg, 1869 from Peru is described and illustrated. The new species, Xenylla gwiazdowiczi sp. nov., can be distinguished from previously described Xenylla species by combination of the following characters: mucro separated from dens, presence of complete row of setae c on dorsal side of the head, four thick sensilla on antennal segment IV, 19,19,18 setae on tibiotarsi of legs I–III, slightly serrated setae on abdominal segments V–VI, presence of two weakly clavate tenent hairs on each leg. The new species resembles X. spinosissima Najt & Rubio, 1978 and X. humicola (Fabricius, 1780). Similarities between them have been discussed. An identification key to Neotropical species of the genus is provided.
A new troglobitic species of the genus Leptomeson Jeannel, 1924 (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae: Leptodirini) from the Island of Šolta (middle Dalmatia, Croatia)
Authors: ĆURČIĆ SREĆKO , VESOVIĆ NIKOLA , LAZOVIĆ VLADIMIR , PANTELIĆ DEJAN , RAĐA TONĆI
Published: December 2019

Leptomeson Jeannel, 1924, originally treated as a subgenus of Anthroherpon Reitter, 1889 (Jeannel, 1924), was erected to a distinct genus by Guéorguiev (1990). It currently includes 13 endemic taxa (nine species and four subspecies) (Perreau, 2015), of which five species are recently described (Giachino et al., 2011). All Leptomeson taxa are troglobitic, montane or insular, and are distributed in a narrow Dinaric area in the proximity to the Adriatic Sea coast belonging to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Perreau, 2000; Giachino et al., 2011) (Fig. 1).
The Role of Oscillating Southern Hemisphere Westerly Winds: Global Ocean Circulation
Authors: Cheon Woo Geun , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: December 2019

In the framework of a sea ice–ocean general circulation model coupled to an energy balance atmospheric model, an intensity oscillation of Southern Hemisphere (SH) westerly winds affects the global ocean circulation via not only the buoyancy-driven teleconnection (BDT) mode but also the Ekman-driven teleconnection (EDT) mode. The BDT mode is activated by the SH air–sea ice–ocean interactions such as polynyas and oceanic convection. The ensuing variation in the Antarctic meridional overturning circulation (MOC) that is indicative of the Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) formation exerts a significant influence on the abyssal circulation of the globe, particularly the Pacific. This controls the bipolar seesaw balance between deep and bottom waters at the equator. The EDT mode controlled by northward Ekman transport under the oscillating SH westerly winds generates a signal that propagates northward along the upper ocean and passes through the equator. The variation in the western boundary current (WBC) is much stronger in the North Atlantic than in the North Pacific, which appears to be associated with the relatively strong and persistent Mindanao Current (i.e., the southward flowing WBC of the North Pacific tropical gyre). The North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) formation is controlled by salt advected northward by the North Atlantic WBC.
Cost Analysis of Implants in the Surgical Repair of Orbital Floor Fractures
Authors: Mims Mark M. , Wang Eric W.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Options for the management of orbital floor fractures continue to evolve offering both potential advantages as well as higher costs. To date, the effect of implant choice on the cost associated with the repair of orbital floor fractures has not been studied.

Methods:

A retrospective review at a tertiary care, level I trauma center examining all adult, uncomplicated orbital floor fractures that underwent open reduction and internal fixation from 2013 to 2016. Patients with concurrent operative facial fractures were excluded. The main outcomes were overall cost of care from injury to last follow-up and operating room-related costs. Costs were determined using computerized records of charges as well as the hospital Charge Description Master. Kruksal-Wallis rank sum tests were used to analyze for differences between groups.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eight different stock, non-patient specific, implants were used for repair. The cost of individual types of implants ranged from $70.25 to $7 718.00. Total cost of care per patient across all implant types averaged $35 585.57 (range $25 586.26 to $49 985.74, P = .34). Operation-related charges accounted for the vast majority (94.4%) of the total cost of care. One complication occurred requiring operative re-positioning of the implant with an additional $13 042.41 in charges.

Conclusions:

In the setting of uncomplicated orbital floor fractures, surgeons should select an implant that allows them to carry out the repair in a safe, timely fashion. Additional large-scale studies would help to further delineate cost differences.
Who is Not Afraid of Richard Dawkins? Using Google Trends to Assess the Reach of Influential Atheists across Canadian Secular Groups
Authors: Dilmaghani Maryam
Published: December 2019

Google Trends data on search volumes of high profile atheist public figures are used to assess their relative reach among different types of seculars in Canada. The user query data mined from Google Trends are complemented with an extensive set of information extracted from the Canadian General Social Surveys of 2005 to 2016. The analysis shows that the reach of high profile atheists is positively correlated with the presence of strictly-seculars, a proxy for the atheists. The investigation produces no statistically significant correlation between the presence of other types of seculars, namely the unchurched believers and the nominal affiliates, and the search volumes for high profile atheists. This exploratory finding suggests that the influential atheists likely “preach to the choir,” catering to like-minded individuals, at the exclusion of those with relatively close but differing views on religion and spirituality.
Polytomous Item Explanatory Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Kim Jinho , Wilson Mark
Published: December 2019

This study investigates polytomous item explanatory item response theory models under the multivariate generalized linear mixed modeling framework, using the linear logistic test model approach. Building on the original ideas of the many-facet Rasch model and the linear partial credit model, a polytomous Rasch model is extended to the item location explanatory many-facet Rasch model and the step difficulty explanatory linear partial credit model. To demonstrate the practical differences between the two polytomous item explanatory approaches, two empirical studies examine how item properties explain and predict the overall item difficulties or the step difficulties each in the Carbon Cycle assessment data and in the Verbal Aggression data. The results suggest that the two polytomous item explanatory models are methodologically and practically different in terms of (a) the target difficulty parameters of polytomous items, which are explained by item properties; (b) the types of predictors for the item properties incorporated into the design matrix; and (c) the types of item property effects. The potentials and methodological advantages of item explanatory modeling are discussed as well.
Paradigm warriors: Advancing a radical ecosystems view of collective leadership from an Indigenous Māori perspective
Authors: Spiller Chellie , Maunganui Wolfgramm Rachel , Henry Ella , Pouwhare Robert
Published: December 2019

Collective leadership is cast as a new and emerging paradigm. However, for many Indigenous communities, collective leadership has been a way of life through the millennia. Where mainstream models of collective leadership focus on what people do, think, and feel in the here and now, we argue such an approach ignores contributions of other generations. The Māori ecosystems view set out in this article positions a revolutionary departure from previous work on collective leadership because of the extraordinary set of relationships it encompasses, including those across generations and across living and non-living entities. Meeting this special issue’s call for innovative research methodologies, our work is informed by the ancient practice of wānanga, which challenges secular, reductionist, quantitative research. Wānanga traverses time and space and involves a quality of consciousness that brings forth an integrated collective intelligence. Inquiring into three watershed leadership moments, we show that collective Māori leadership is an ecosystem held together by activating a knowledge code, cultivating ties of affection, and working the tensions. Unlike the ‘new broom sweeps clean’ approach where incoming leaders tend to discard the work of predecessors, true collective leadership is an integrated ecosystem sustained from one generation of leadership to the next.
Combined global and local semantic feature–based image retrieval analysis with interactive feedback
Authors: Anandh A , Mala K , Suresh Babu R
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, user expects image retrieval systems using a large database as an active research area for the investigators. Generally, content-based image retrieval system retrieves the images based on the low-level features, high-level features, or the combination of both. Content-based image retrieval results can be improved by considering various features like directionality, contrast, coarseness, busyness, local binary pattern, and local tetra pattern with modified binary wavelet transform. In this research work, appropriate features are identified, applied and results are validated against existing systems. Modified binary wavelet transform is a modified form of binary wavelet transform and this methodology produced more similar retrieval images. The proposed system also combines the interactive feedback to retrieve the user expected results by addressing the issues of semantic gap. The quantitative evaluations such as average retrieval rate, false image acceptation ratio, and false image rejection ratio are evaluated to ensure the user expected results of the system. In addition to that, precision and recall are evaluated from the proposed system against the existing system results. When compared with the existing content-based image retrieval methods, the proposed approach provides better retrieval accuracy.
“A Conspiracy of the Nation”: Case Study of Stokely Carmichael’s and H. Rap Brown’s Arguments in Support of Black Power
Authors: Galloway Lauren F. E.
Published: December 2019

This article features a rhetorical analysis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee’s (SNCC) transition from nonviolent resistance to a more militant ideology, evidenced through prominent works by the organization’s last two chairmen, Stokely Carmichael and H. Rap Brown. I argue the chairmen’s conspiracy rhetoric contended with widespread interpretations of the times that framed SNCC’s decision as purely irrational, as opposed to a choice arising out of a long history of racial oppression. Furthermore, contentious media portrayals of SNCC demonstrators as ungrateful, heretical, sectarians aligned closely with readily accepted racial stereotypes to justify nonsupport of the pursuit of equality for Black Americans, civil or otherwise. This contribution to the literature conjures up challenges and tactics of movements past to inform the rhetorical strategies of present-day activists.
Introducing the Strategies of Resistance Data Project
Authors: Cunningham Kathleen Gallagher , Dahl Marianne , Frugé Anne
Published: December 2019

This article introduces the Strategies of Resistance Data Project (SRDP), a global dataset on organizational behavior in self-determination disputes. This dataset is actor-focused and spans periods of relative peace and violence in self-determination conflicts. By linking tactics to specific actors in broader campaigns for political change, we can better understand how these struggles unfold over time, and the conditions under which organizations use conventional politics, violent tactics, nonviolent tactics, or some combination of these. SRDP comprises 1,124 organizations participating in movements for greater national self-determination around the world, from 1960 to 2005. Despite the fact that few self-determination movements engage in mass nonviolent campaigns, SRDP shows that more organizations employ nonviolent tactics at some point in time (about 40%) than employ violence (about 30%). Many organizations switch among tactics or use both at the same time. This dataset will allow analysts to examine the use of different combinations of tactics and patterns of change. We compare the data with the most-used dataset on nonviolence, the NAVCO 2.0 Data Project, to demonstrate what we gain by employing an organization-level dataset on tactics. We present a set of descriptive analyses highlighting the utility of the SRDP, including an examination of tactic switching. We show that more organizations change from violence to nonviolence than the reverse – challenging the widely held assumption that organizations ‘resort’ to violence. SRDP allows scholars to examine organizational choices about tactics, and trends in these tactics, with much greater nuance.
Teaching High School Students With Disabilities to Advocate for Academic Accommodations
Authors: Lopez Nancy J. , Uphold Nicole M. , Douglas Karen H. , Freeman-Green Shaqwana
Published: December 2019

One factor that may contribute to the success of students with disabilities in postsecondary educational settings may be their ability to advocate for academic accommodations. By incorporating self-determination practices into the curriculum and transition process during high school, students with disabilities may acquire the self-advocacy skills for postsecondary settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a modified Self-Advocacy and Conflict Resolution (mSACR) training program on the ability of five high school students with high-incidence disabilities to request academic accommodations in a high school general education course. A multiple-probe-across-participants design was employed to evaluate the effects of the intervention on 14 targeted behaviors. Results indicated a functional relation between the mSACR and the ability of students to request accommodations. Findings from this study are discussed along with limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for educational practice.
The Healing Ministry of Christ
Authors: Reno R. R.
Published: December 2019

Caring for the sick requires determination and moral courage; there is a spiritual side to the battle against disease. The Christian caregiver, through Christ, receives the grace to confront the morally exhausting suffering of patients and enhancing the unique bonds that arise from that suffering. Our faith Christ who dying destroys death and in rising restores life, allows the Christian to affirm faith as well as heal disease in ministry to the sick.
Forced Sexual Victimization Among Youth in Custody: Do Risk Factors Vary by Gender and Perpetrator?
Authors: Ahlin Eileen M.
Published: December 2019

There is relatively little literature examining risk factors associated with sexual victimization among youth in custody. The current study explored whether risk of forced sexual victimization among youth in custody differs by gender or perpetrator. Using data from a sample of 8,659 youth who participated in the National Survey of Youth in Custody, multivariate logistic regression models were employed to investigate gender differences in risk factors associated with overall forced sexual victimization and staff-on-inmate and inmate-on-inmate forced sexual victimization. Findings suggest that gender differences are more pronounced when perpetrator type is considered.
Measuring the Psychological Impacts of Prison-Based Dog Training Programs and In-Prison Outcomes for Inmates
Authors: Flynn Erin , Combs Katie Massey , Gandenberger Jaci , Tedeschi Philip , Morris Kevin N.
Published: December 2019

As interest grows in programs that improve prison inmates’ behavior and psychosocial well-being, any such interventions must be rigorously examined and their underlying mechanisms for change must be understood. This pilot study examined the use of prison-based dog training programs across Washington State Department of Corrections facilities for their impacts on inmates’ infraction rates. The study also compared levels of empathy, self-efficacy, and anxiety between program participants and nonparticipants. Findings indicated that prison dog program participants’ infraction rates improved and that participants had lower levels of anxiety than nonparticipants.
Validating Imputation Procedures to Calculate Corrected Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths, Marion County, Indiana, 2011-2016
Authors: Gupta Sumedha , Cohen Alex , Lowder Evan M. , Ray Bradley R.
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Understanding the scope of the current opioid epidemic requires accurate counts of the number of opioid-involved drug overdose deaths. Given known errors and limitations in the reporting of these deaths, several studies have used statistical methods to develop estimates of the true number of opioid-involved overdose deaths. This study validates these procedures using a detailed county-level database of linked toxicology and vital records data.

Methods:

We extracted and linked toxicology and vital records data from Marion County, Indiana (Indianapolis), during a 6-year period (2011-2016). Using toxicology data as a criterion measure, we tested the validity of multiple imputation procedures, including the Ruhm regression-based imputation approach for correcting the number of opioid-involved overdose deaths.

Results:

Estimates deviated from true opioid-involved overdose deaths by 3% and increased in accuracy during the study period (2011-2016). For example, in 2016, 231 opioid-involved overdose deaths were noted in the toxicology data, whereas the corresponding imputed estimate was 233 opioid-involved overdose deaths. A simple imputation approach, based on the share of opioid-involved overdose deaths among all drug overdose deaths for which the death certificate specified ≥1 drug, deviated from true opioid-involved overdose deaths by ±5%.

Conclusions:

Commonly used imputation procedures produced estimates of the number of opioid-involved overdose deaths that are similar to the true number of opioid-involved overdose deaths obtained from toxicology data. Although future studies should examine whether these results extend beyond the geographic area covered in our data set, our findings support the continued use of these imputation procedures to quantify the extent of the opioid epidemic.
Opioid Prescribing Among Adults With Disabilities in the United States After the 2014 Federal Hydrocodone Rescheduling Regulation
Authors: Liaw Victor , Kuo Yong-Fang , Raji Mukaila A. , Baillargeon Jacques
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Deaths from prescription opioid overdoses have reached an epidemic level in the United States, particularly among persons with disabilities. The 2014 federal rescheduling regulation is associated with reduced opioid prescribing in the general US population; however, to date, no data have been published on this regulation’s effect on persons with disabilities. We examined whether the 2014 hydrocodone rescheduling change was associated with reduced opioid prescribing among adult Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities.

Methods:

We identified 680 876 Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities aged 21-64 in 2013 and 657 687 in 2015 from a 20% national sample. We examined changes in the monthly opioid-prescribing rates from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2015. We also compared opioid-prescribing rates in 2013 with rates in 2015.

Results:

In 2014, the percentage of Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities who received hydrocodone prescriptions decreased by 0.154% per month (95% confidence interval [CI], –0.186 to –0.121, P < .001). The percentage of Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities who received hydrocodone prescriptions decreased from 32.2% in 2013 to 27.7% in 2015, whereas rates of any opioid prescribing, prolonged prescribing (≥90-day supply), and high-dose prescribing (≥100 morphine milligram equivalents per day for >30 days) decreased only modestly, from 50.2% to 49.0%, from 27.4% to 26.5%, and from 7.5% to 7.0%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The 2014 federal rescheduling of hydrocodone was associated with only minor changes in overall and potentially high-risk opioid-prescribing rates. Neither state variation in long-term prescribing nor beneficiary characteristics explained the changes in persistently high opioid-prescribing rates among adults with disabilities after the 2014 regulation. Future studies should examine patient and provider characteristics underlying the persistent high-risk prescribing patterns in this population.
Firearm-Related Deaths in Multnomah County, Oregon, 2010-2016: Linking Medical Examiner Data to State Vital Records Data
Authors: Walters Jaime
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Violence due to firearms is a substantial public health problem. Death data from medical examiner and vital records were linked to evaluate the use of medical examiner data to augment routine surveillance and determine any differences in sex, age, manner of death, or race and ethnicity between the 2 data systems.

Materials and Methods:

Medical examiner data were searched for keywords of interest, and vital records data were obtained and linked for deaths occurring in Multnomah County, Oregon, from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2016. Both data sets were compared for the number and proportion of firearm-related deaths by sex, age, manner of death, and race/ethnicity. Sensitivity and positive predictive values were calculated for variables that had discordant results.

Results:

A total of 568 firearm-related deaths were identified in the medical examiner data. After matching with manual review, the 2 data systems had 100% case agreement. A reverse match showed that most cases not found in medical examiner data were due to transfer of case jurisdiction. The 2 systems matched nearly perfectly in sex, age, and manner of death but differed in characterization of race and ethnicity. Sensitivity was 62% for Hispanic ethnicity but 93% for white and black race.

Practice Implications:

Using medical examiner data was a useful way to augment routine surveillance of firearm-related deaths in our jurisdiction in close to real time. However, caution is needed when analyzing data by subgroups because of discordant classifications of race between the data systems.